Wartime

	In 1912, Lot 4 on the corner of Robinson and Talbot Streets was purchased for the construction of an armoury due to the growing conflict in Europe.
	With war on the horizon, the construction of the Simcoe armoury at $30,000 was described by Military Inspectors as the best armoury in the country for the money – a model of economy. The Gunton brothers originally constructed this building. They also built South and North Schools, the Phoenix Club and other local buildings.
	In 1915, the 133rd “Norfolk’s Own” Battalion was created. Between 1914-1916 the town had over 400 men enlist.
	The 133rd Battalion disbanded in 1920 and members were absorbed as reinforcements by the 3rd Reserve Battalion. In 1928 they became affiliated with the Norfolk Regiment of Canada and adopted the name Norfolk Rifles of Canada (1928-1936).
	As the world moved closer to war in the late 1930s, the militia changed from a foot regiment to an artillery brigade, known as the 25th (Reserve) Norfolk Field Brigade, Royal Canadian Artillery (1936-1948).
	As the number of volunteers dropped, re-organization resulted in the 45th (Reserve) Norfolk Field Regiment.
	After the war, in 1948, reorganization resulted in the 28th Medium Norfolk Regiment and then in 1954 with yet another reorganization, they became the 69th Field Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery.

Sergeant Frederick Hobson

	One of the first to enlist in Simcoe for the First World War was Sergeant Frederick Hobson who had been an employee of Canadian Canners.  He joined the 39th Regiment (Norfolk Rifles) shortly after war had broken out in 1914 and subsequently was assigned to the 20th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force.
	Hobson is the only known Norfolk resident to be awarded the British Empire’s highest medal for valour, the Victoria Cross, for attempting to keep back German forces that were advancing toward his battalion in Lens, France, August 18, 1917. Hobson lost his life in this act of supreme bravery.
	His heroism was recognized in 1992 in the naming of the Armoury, the Sergeant Frederick Hobson V.C. Armoury.
	In 2001, a more modern armoury facility was built in the Alfred W. Judd Industrial Park (off of Park Road in Simcoe). The name – the Sergeant Frederick Hobson V.C. Armoury – was carried forward.
	A plaque honouring Sergeant Frederick Hobson V.C. has been put up at 85 Robinson Street.

Building Usage Over the Years

	During peacetime the armoury was the home of our community’s militia. During wartime it was the focus of military activity as the rallying spot for new recruits, an area for training and administration, and the departure point linking home and the battlefield.
	After the Second World War, in 1948, the armoury was the venue for dances, dinners, Christmas parties, and special events. For many years, it was also used by the Simcoe Badminton Club. Since the 1970’s, the armoury had been home to a branch of the youth arm of the armed forces, the 2853 Simcoe Legion Army Cadet Corps. In addition to learning the intricacies of drill on the parade square, classes were taught in small arms, first aid, canoeing, abseiling and orienteering.
	In 1947, a fire gutted the east end of the building. It started in the Quartermaster’s stores. The metal roof and steel trusses helped to contain the fire. However, the interior had to be rebuilt.
	In the early 1990’s the rifle range in the armoury basement was shut down due to the high levels of lead and later in the decade rumours of the armoury closing became fact. Deemed as outdated and too expensive to operate, the armoury space was slated for closure.

MR&R's Move to the Armouries

	The Simcoe Armoury building was purchased by MR&R in the summer of 2002. Construction began in Spring 2003 and we moved into our new location on January 16, 2004.
	The Ventin Group were the architects for the renovation project and Reid & Deleye handled the construction management.