Arboretum History
Arboretum History
In the background, a wood and brick two-level building stands surrounded by snow. Two cars are parked in front. A sign reads "University of Guelph Arboretum Service Centre" in front.

The R.J. Hilton Centre

Header image: The Hilton Centre between 1970-1973

The R.J. Hilton Centre is one of the oldest buildings on Arboretum grounds and has a fascinating history. 

The original structure was the Harrison Barn, a cattle barn a part of the Ontario Agricultural College’s research farm. The Harrison Barn resided on Arboretum grounds and was one of the first buildings used by Arboretum staff because the O.A.C. Centennial Arboretum Centre had not yet been built. The accompanying hen house was turned into an office for the first Director R.J. Hilton, as well. 

In the early 1970s, the Harrison Barn was demolished and the Service Centre was built on its foundation. The Service Centre was re-named in the 1980’s in honour of R.J. Hilton’s contributions to The Arboretum. Now, the R.J. Hilton Centre continues to serve as a hub for Arboretum grounds and horticultural staff.

Note from R.J. Hilton on the Hilton Barn.

Note from R.J. Hilton on the 1969 pictures of the Harrison Barn, 1990.

A wooden barn stands in the background. A group of cows graze in the pasture in front of the barn. A small building is located to the left of the barn. Snow blankets the ground.

The Harrison Barn with cows in the field in front, 1969-1970.

In the background, a wood and brick two-level building stands surrounded by snow. Two cars are parked in front. A sign reads "University of Guelph Arboretum Service Centre" in front.

R.J. Hilton Centre between 1970-1973.

A long greenhouse stands attached to a small red building.

The newly constructed greenhouse and potting shed in the nursery area adjacent to the R.J. Hilton Centre, 1970-1973.

A building featuring green wood on top and cream bricks on the bottom stands in the distance. A thick blanket of snow covers the ground and dusts the branches of conifer trees on the right.

R.J. Hilton Centre on a snowy winter day, 2007.

A wooden sign displaying a green tree hands on a building with green wood on top and white brick on the bottom. class=

An Arboretum logo sign hangs on the R.J. Hilton Centre, 2015.

In the distance a brick and wood building stands. In the foreground a large hole is dug in the ground with concrete foundation and walls being constructed.

The R.J. Hilton Centre during renovations, 2019.

This is a sampling of some of the many photos that have been taken and people that have been a part of The Arboretum’s 50 years of operations. Do you have some photos you would like to share? Upload them to our Arboretum History Kudoboard.

The land where The Arboretum now grows has been home to plants and animals for thousands of years. It was home to Indigenous peoples before settlers arrived. We recognize the Dish with One Spoon territory, the treaty lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Between the Lakes Treaty 3 lands on which the University of Guelph and The Arboretum now sit. We are honoured to work on and care for this land.