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New exhibit traces the history of' the local barrels and kegs industry ( loopering tools, an old factory whistle and even a square-shaped barrel will soon he on display at the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery. They're part of the Hoops and Slaves - Canada Barrels and Kegs exhibit, put on by the City of Waterioo's Heritage Resources, which opens on Feb. 16. Hoops and staves “(The exhibit) tells the story of the city's industrial heritage," said Karen Vanden- Brink. the interim manager of Heritage Resources. Hoops and Staves traces the history of Canada Barrels and Kegs Ltd., later called Canbar. from its beginnings in 1872. At that time, Charles Mueller, a German immigrant. built a small amperage - a shop where barrels are made - on Queen Street, now Regina Slreel, in Waterloo. His compihy grew quickly thanks, in part, to the two local distilleries: Kuntz Brewery and Seagram Co. "He manufactured barrels primarily for those industries, however, coopering was such a huge trade that barrels were being used domestically for water pails and wash tubs," VandenBrink said. "From an industrial and a domestic use, he was providing vessels for both." In “305. Mueller moved his shop to Erb Street and Father David Bauer Drive, closer to the Seagram distillery. His thriving busi- ness went on to become the largest of its kind in Canada. " was eventually sold to the Seagram family, and its name changed to Canada Barrels and Regs. The company changed hands again in the early 1970s, when it offi- cially became known as Canbar. By that time it was producing diverse products, ranging from wood stave pipes and tanks to fibreglass. The idea for this exhibit came after Her- itage Resources recently acquired some old coopering tools. Coupled with the city's existing collection. there was enough for a show. "We do have a number of barrels and a number of coopering artifacts that will be on display," VandenBrink said, adding the exhibit will also include several novelty items. For instance, there will be a prototype square barrel made by Canada Barrels and Kegs in the 1960s, when the Seagram distill- ery began experimenting with barrels to see if different shapes affected the flavour of the whisky during maturation. EatRight Ontario ontario.ca/eatright By JENNIFER 0mm»; Chronicle Sta]? Call 1-877-510-510-2 and talk to a Registered Dietitian for free. III ttirt_tN4crttit4rlNFttsht "It turned out that there was no differ- ence in taste whatsoever between square and round," VandenBrink said. Karen VandenBrink, the interim manager of Heritage Resources for the City of Waterloo, shows pieces from the upcoming Hoops and Saves exhibit. which will run at the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery from Feb. 16 to March 23. "The reason why it never took off is they were a lot more difficult to maintain, and also because they were square they were not easily moved around in the barrel ware- houses, whereas the round barrels could be rolled." Oval barrels used by the navy during the Second World War will also be on display. They carried fresh water or rum, and were kept in the ships and lifeboats. "msey weré in an oval shape, obviously, so they didn't roll around at sea, which can be dangtrpt" she §aid: ... _ A highlight of the show will be the old ARTS FOCUS whistle used at the Canada Barrels and Kegs factory to signal the beginning and end of the workday, breaks and special occasions. including the end of the Second World War. VandenBrink encourages people to come and see the exhibit, which follows closely on the heels of the City of Waterloo's 150th anniversary in 2007, when the area's history was celebrated on many occasions. Visito}s to the gallery will be able to push a button to hear ari old recording of the whistle blowing. A The exhibit delves into the city's industri- al heritage, which employed many people, she said. As well, it demonstrates the changes in the uptown from being a hub of manufacturing to "the completely different Paid tot by the Government of Ontario WAI bltul0 CHRONICLE . Wednesday, February i3,2008 . " linni Hartmann, who is assisting with the exhibit, added that many of the companies that used to be present in the uptown -- including Globe Furniture, Canbar and Sea- gram - had worldwide appeal. "In many ways it was the beginning roots of how Waterloo became a player on the international scene," Hartmann said. "Weee just continuing that tradition." The exhibit runs at the gallery, located at 25 Caroline St. N., in Waterloo, until March flavour" it has taken on today. The gallery is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 am. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from I p.m. to 5 p.m. Regular admission rates apply. Ontario KNNW" DIMSYDN PHOTO