~ Welcome ~

      

                        Logo designed by Chris Hudzieczko of Hamilton, ON       

 

The Time Machine: The Hamilton Victorian & Steampunk Society

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Here is a video about us: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLGBtQu8KJQ

Video + article about us: http://hamilton.openfile.ca/hamilton/file/2011/01/steampunk-steel-city
 
Below: Raychyl Vyctorya Whyte, our organizer, posing with her now-former husband, Dr. John A. Stewart (Biophysica Inc.- www.biophysica.com), at the Workers Arts and Heritage Centre, Hamilton, ON ~
 

Greetings all 'Past Futurists', anachronisms, those who feel misplaced in time, Steampunks, and Victorian/Edwardian history enthusiasts of Hamilton & the surrounding areas. 

 

December 2011- update: 


Victorian Winter Solstice Celebration    

At Raychyl’s home in downtown Hamilton

Wednesday December 21, 2011, commencing at 6 PM


Greetings all, 


A recent serious calamity nearly prevented me from even considering holding a Winter Solstice Celebration this year; those of you who know me well are aware of exactly the reprehensible, disturbing incident to which I refer, which has effectively terminated my nearly 9-year relationship with my husband. That matter has been devastating beyond comprehension. 


My life will be filled with some rather dramatic changes in the not too distant future (ultimately for the better, hopefully), although I will do everything humanly possible to remain in my cherished circa-1898 dream home, which I have spent several years now lovingly restoring.


Despite the recent upheaval, there’s no reason why we cannot experience some great enjoyment together to lift our spirits….1800s style. On Wednesday December 21, 2011, commencing at 6 PM, I warmly request the pleasure of your company at my home in downtown Hamilton. 


(Exact address will be provided to those who RSVP and provide their contact info., if they have not already done so). 


A few days beforehand, I will be cooking up a storm of various healthy & tasty vegetarian dishes for us all to enjoy. Juices & water will be available. Bring your own bottle (BYOB), if you wish. (Please consume alcoholic beverages responsibly). Those of you who have not visited the house for a while will notice numerous improvements. 


~ Steampunk, Victorian, Edwardian, or even Regency costumes are encouraged, as this is the theme of the party, although are not mandatory. This is meant to be for fun, so please don’t be intimidated. Please: No jeans or otherwise casual attire. If you would like some 1800s wardrobe suggestions, please ask. : )


~ This event is not recommended for children, due to the fragile antiques & vintage items in the home. (Also, kids would likely be rather bored here). 


~ Secular pre-recorded nostalgic music selections from the 1800s through the 1930s will be played. 


~ There is a nominal admission fee of $5 per person, to offset food costs. 


~ The door will be answered starting at 6:00 PM on December 21. You’re welcome to arrive after 6 PM if you wish, but please refrain from arriving early. 


Pre-registration is REQUIRED for admission. NO spontaneous ‘drop-ins’, please. This is to ensure that there will be adequate food & beverages for everyone in attendance to enjoy. If you need to cancel your RSVP, please do so with reasonable notice, out of consideration for others. 


RSVP: (289) 389-0512 or mydnyte_mystery@yahoo.ca 


If you need assistance with transportation, please let me know; I will try to be of help. 


~ Gears & cheers, from Raychyl. 



***Thanks for sharing my passion for Victoriana, Edwardiana, and the Steampunk movement. This group is open to positive support and assistance, for the mutual benefit + enjoyment of all members. With positive support & commitment, this group can be even better for everyone! I'm a 'one woman' band, so a little solidarity would be appreciated, folks. 


This group is neither exclusively 'proper' Victorian, nor is it exclusively Steampunk: We combine both genres in this group. I enjoy both, so why be limiting to only one or the other? Hence the group name: The Hamilton Victorian and Steampunk Society. 

 

I apologize for the website obviously not being up to high technological standards. Admittedly, I'm not tech-savvy, as I am an anachronism who is much better suited to the steam era. : ) Plus as a tiny (i.e.- managed by only one person), not-for-profit group, there is a virtually non-existent budget. So please try to be understanding, as we evolve. Thank you. 


Coming soon......" Raychyl's Romantic Reverie". Please stay tuned. 

 
 

What is "Steampunk"?

The term denotes works set in an era or world where steam power is still widely used- usually the 19th century, and often Victorian era England- but with prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy, such as fictional technological inventions like those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne, or real technological developments like the computer occurring at an earlier date.
   The City of Hamilton's coat of arms.
 
Hamilton is a classic, quintessential steampunk city!: It is a fascinating (yet sadly much-maligned) industrial city with abundant, exquisite historical industrial & retail buildings and houses, many beautiful waterfalls, parks, mueums, as well as a special steampunk's paradise: The Steam & Technology Museum. Hamilton is an relatively undiscovered, rich treasure trove of beauty & history. Having relocated here in 2008, I am delighted to call Hamilton my home (with the exception of the city's absurd municipal mismanagement, but that's another story).  : (
 

Other Steampunk sites to join:

 

http://www.meetup.com/The-Time-Machine-Hamilton-Victorian-Steampunk-Society/

 

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=50441426910&ref=ts

 

http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Time_Machine/

 

Canada's national steampunk site:

http://steampunkcanada.ca/

 

**If you have Ontario-located steampunk/Victorian products or services that you would like to promote, please let us know...I will gladly add your link to our website, if you will add our link to your website in return. I am here to help the subculture flourish. : ) **

 
Other links of interest:
 

Hand-made metaphysical steampunk amulets here, made by Dr. Stewart:

http://raydionics.com/sacred.html

 

The Victorian Studies Association of Ontario:

http://www.yorku.ca/vsao/index.html

 

Heritage Canada Foundation:

http://www.heritagecanada.org/eng/main.html

Here are a few places I highly recommend visiting:

http://woodgears.ca/steam_museum/
The Ontario Steam Heritage Museum
Puslinch, Ontario

http://www.hcry.org/ab_us.html
The Halton County Radial Railway
Milton, Ontario
 
 

The Time Machine: The Hamilton Victorian

& Steampunk Society ~
Membership & 2011-2012 Calendar of Events


Membership 

 

It is FREE to join this group. Please simply contact us (The_Time_Machine@ymail.com) & provide your contact info. to join. I will add you to our e-mail list. All  I ask is that you please adhere to the following instructions and conditions:

 

**PLEASE RSVP** with us directly if you wish to attend any of the events posted, so we can all plan accordingly, and keep well-organized, for everyone's convenience.

 

~ Often times, if there are enough people (who can pay advance admission so we can book reservations), numerous museums & historic sites can provide a reduced group rate.

 

~ **Please note that if we do not receive enough RSVPs for an event, I may likely cancel our arrangements to be at that event. I will post any known cancellations as soon as possible. Check back here regularly, for the latest updates.

 

**It is most important to RSVP.**

 

~  Sometimes a carpool or return transport can be arranged. Just ask.

 

RSVP: The_Time_Machine@ymail.com or (289) 389-0512 (office).

 

**Ultra-important: If you indicate that you will be attending one of the events, please do your best to keep your word. Of course I understand that life has its share of unexpected surprises at times ('I' certainly can attest to that!), but if you are unable to attend, then please be courteous to everyone in the group by notifying us as soon as possible. It causes great inconvenience to everyone when people go AWOL. I thank you in advance for your cooperation.

 

~ I myself will generally only designate a nominal fee for our events (with some occasional exceptions, which will be noted).

 

~ When we visit various destinations, their regular admission rates usually apply, based on the destination we visit (unless otherwise noted). You are responsible for paying for your own admission, so please arrive financially prepared. These rates are incurred by the institution, site, or museum etc., that we visit. Each event listing I post will specify the prices. As mentioned: Often times, if there are enough people (who can pay advance admission so we can book reservations), numerous museums & historic sites can provide a reduced group rate.

 

~ As is typically the case, for reasons of fun, historical merit, and uniqueness (to stand out from the mass crowd of jeans, tracksuits, & T-shirts!), we strongly encourage Victorian & Steampunk costumes at our events, although this is of course not mandatory. If men or ladies require assistance with getting a costume assembled on a budget, Raychyl can be of help.

 


Our 2011-2012 Calendar of Events (updated December, 2011)


Victorian Winter Solstice Celebration    

At Raychyl’s home in downtown Hamilton

Wednesday December 21, 2011, commencing at 6 PM


Greetings all, 


A recent serious calamity nearly prevented me from even considering holding a Winter Solstice Celebration this year; those of you who know me well are aware of exactly the reprehensible, disturbing incident to which I refer, which has effectively terminated my nearly 9-year relationship with my husband. That matter has been devastating beyond comprehension. 


My life will be filled with some rather dramatic changes in the not too distant future (ultimately for the better, hopefully), although I will do everything humanly possible to remain in my cherished circa-1898 dream home, which I have spent several years now lovingly restoring.


Despite the recent upheaval, there’s no reason why we cannot experience some great enjoyment together to lift our spirits….1800s style. On Wednesday December 21, 2011, commencing at 6 PM, I warmly request the pleasure of your company at my home in downtown Hamilton. 


(Exact address will be provided to those who RSVP and provide their contact info., if they have not already done so). 


A few days beforehand, I will be cooking up a storm of various healthy & tasty vegetarian dishes for us all to enjoy. Juices & water will be available. Bring your own bottle (BYOB), if you wish. (Please consume alcoholic beverages responsibly). Those of you who have not visited the house for a while will notice numerous improvements. 


~ Steampunk, Victorian, Edwardian, or even Regency costumes are encouraged, as this is the theme of the party, although are not mandatory. This is meant to be for fun, so please don’t be intimidated. Please: No jeans or otherwise casual attire. If you would like some 1800s wardrobe suggestions, please ask. : )


~ This event is not recommended for children, due to the fragile antiques & vintage items in the home. (Also, kids would likely be rather bored here). 


~ Secular pre-recorded nostalgic music selections from the 1800s through the 1930s will be played. 


~ There is a nominal admission fee of $5 per person, to offset food costs. 


~ The door will be answered starting at 6:00 PM on December 21. You’re welcome to arrive after 6 PM if you wish, but please refrain from arriving early. 


Pre-registration is REQUIRED for admission. NO spontaneous ‘drop-ins’, please. This is to ensure that there will be adequate food & beverages for everyone in attendance to enjoy. If you need to cancel your RSVP, please do so with reasonable notice, out of consideration for others. 


RSVP: (289) 389-0512 or mydnyte_mystery@yahoo.ca 


If you need assistance with transportation, please let me know; I will try to be of help. 


~ Gears & cheers, from Raychyl. 

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Some 2011 holiday season events locally in 'The Hammer':


Locke Street Christmas Market every Saturday until December 17th

December 10, 2011, 10 am to 5 pm 
Fenian Films, 211 Locke Street South, Hamilton

Locke Street is having Christmas Market!
Every Saturday from November 19th to Dec 17th. 10am-5pm

FEATURING: 
local arts and crafts, Christmas music, food and beverages
PLUS! vendors from the Locke Street Farmers' Market. Jerry's Berries will be selling frozen raspberries - while supplies last! 


A Christmas House Tour fundraiser presented by the Choir of St. Joseph Parish

December 10, 2011, 1 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm 
Tour of 5 Houses - see details below

The Choir of St. Joseph Parish invites you to visit 5 beautifully decorated homes in Kirkendall with live carolling, music and treats.
This is a fundraiser for the choir's upcoming pilgrimage to Ireland.

Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the door
Available at St. Joseph's Parish Office or after weekend Masses.
905-528-0019


To see all the upcoming events at Hamilton's museums: http://www.hamilton.ca/CultureandRecreation/Arts_Culture_And_Museums/HamiltonCivicMuseums/


Hamilton Steam & Technology Museum events 2011: http://old.hamilton.ca/CultureandRecreation/Arts_Culture_And_Museums/HamiltonCivicMuseums/Events/SteamMuseum.asp?site=STEAM


Battlefield House upcoming events in Stoney Creek: http://old.hamilton.ca/CultureandRecreation/Arts_Culture_And_Museums/HamiltonCivicMuseums/Events/Battlefield.asp?site=BATTLEFIELD


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See upcoming events at Fanshawe Pioneer Village in London, ON here: http://www.fanshawepioneervillage.ca/events

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Oakville Museum events

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Burlington, ON:

Ireland House events here: http://www.museumsofburlington.com/ireland-house
Joseph Brant Museum events here: http://www.museumsofburlington.com/joseph-brant/events

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Halton County Radial Railway Museum events: http://www.hcry.org/specialEvents.html

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Events at Toronto Museums: http://www.toronto.ca/culture/museums/featured-events.htm

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Events at Mississauga's Museums: http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/discover/museumactivities

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Events at the Cottonwood Mansion in Selkirk, ON: http://www.cottonwoodmansion.ca/?page_id=31


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Niagra-on-the-Lake and other Niagra region special events: http://www.tourismniagara.com/festivals.html?&no_cache=1&tx_cabadsearch_pi1[mode]=1


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~ More events will be posted as they become known to me. Stay tuned. ~


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Is there an upcoming Ontario Victorian, Edwardian, or steampunk event that you think should be posted here? Let me know & we will post it free of charge, as a courtesy.
 
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My paternal grandfather, Carl A. Borgstrom (1886-1951), was the landscape architect of the Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton.

Carl A. Borgstrom

 

This website is dedicated to my late father, Bruce W. Borgstrom (1916-2009), yet another victim of reprehensible medical incompetence.

To learn more about the gentleman who was my father, please visit:   

www.brucewborgstrom.com

 

He is forever loved, and forever missed.

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