Stratford is a small treasure--a lively, gracious city with heritage homes, beautiful parks, fine restaurants and a Shakespearean festival that draws over half a million people to the community annually.
In this book you will discover the story of Stratford's origins and growth and see the city's past and present in more than 100 contemporary and archival photographs. Ranging from the pre-contact period, when the area was settled by Iroquoian First Nations, to the nineteenth century with its legacy of splendid architecture, this is the story of a beautiful, bustling community. The Stratford Festival is illustrated with many images drawn from the festival archives, and an illustrated walking tour highlights many of the city's architectural and heritage treasures.
Stratford: Its History and Its Festival is a richly illustrated showcase of this picturesque Ontario town.

CAROLYNN BART-RIEDSTRA is an archivist at the Stratford-Perth Archives.

Carolynn Bart-Riedstra's profile page

LUTZEN H. RIEDSTRA is an archivist at the Stratford-Perth Archives.

Lutzen H. Riedstra's profile page

A client once said, "I wish I could see the world through your eyes"Terry Manzo has been a professional freelance photographer for thirtyyears. Her photographs combine unique and compelling perspectiveswith strong technical skills. She has exhibited regularly in Ontario andworked on several ambitious social media projects, posting daily orweekly photographs or photographic collages for a year during 2011,2013 and 2016. Many in the Stratford area know and respect her forthe photography courses she has been teaching at Gallery Stratfordsince 1999. Her commercial work encompasses a broad spectrumfrom publicity, events, product, concerts and theatre, to people at workand play.As photographer for the Stratford Chefs School, Terry's delectablefood shots and vibrant event coverage contribute to its world classreputation.

Terry Manzo's profile page

RICHARD MONETTE (1944–2008) was artistic director of the Stratford Festival of Canada for fourteen seasons, from 1994 to 2007.

Richard Monette's profile page

"...lavishly-illustrated... very capably outlines the town's history in five chapters... Stratford is a must for festival goers, but is also a useful introduction to the community's fascinating history."

Canadian Book Review Annual

"A new book called Stratford, Its History and Festival offers an entertaining and informative glimpse into the city's history and its evolution. The final section includes a map of the city with 43 historical destinations. Each one is pictured alongside a brief explanation of its significance. It serves as a user-friendly guide to the city, which will no doubt appeal to tourists and proud local residents alike."

Stratford Beacon-Herald