Seaforth, Ontario
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Seaforth (2001 population: 2300) is a community in the municipality of Huron East, in Huron County, Ontario, Canada.
Contents |
[edit] History
Originally known as Four Corners and Steene's Corners after an early settler, much of the area of what is now Seaforth was acquired by brothers Christopher and George Sparling in anticipation of the construction of the Buffalo, Brantford and Goderich Railway. Developer James Patton of Barrie purchased the land and laid out a townsite in 1855.
The name 'Seaforth' may be derived from the Scottish Seaforth Highlanders regiment or Loch Seaforth in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.
A post office was established in Seaforth in 1859. Incorporation as a Village followed in 1868 and as a Town in 1874. In 2001, Seaforth was amalgamated with Brussels, Grey Township, McKillop Township and Tuckersmith Township to form the Municipality of Huron East.
[edit] Industries
- Boilersmith (Canada's Boiler Maker)
- Sun North (Agricultural Ventilation Systems)
- Trailcorp Inc. (Livestock Trailer Manufacturers)
- Seaforth Creamery
[edit] Local media
[edit] Famous people
Jim Balsillie billionaire philanthropist and co-CEO director of Research In Motion in Waterloo, Ontario was born February 3, 1961 in Seaforth but raised in Peterborough, Ontario where his family had relocated in 1966.
From History
Colonel Anthony Van Egmond
Contemporary Sports Figures
- Lloyd Eisler - Professional Canadian figure skating star
- Boyd Devereaux - Professional NHL Hockey player, Toronto Maple Leafs
- Kathy Devereaux - NWHL player with the Brampton Thunder, sister to Boyd.
- Dave McLlwain - Professional Ice hockey player, Kölner Haie ("Cologne Sharks")
- Rem Murray - Professional NHL Hockey player, Edmonton Oilers
- Scott Driscoll - Professional Hockey Linesman National Hockey League NHL
- Scott McNaughton - Media Relations, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, CFL
[edit] Local attractions
The Main Street is one of the province's finest examples of commercial architecture from the nineteenth century. Enjoy a walk along the street lined with uniquely homogeneous buildings and you will always know the time from one of the most lavish clocks of its day.
[edit] The Van Egmond Reserve
Turn south and a short drive will bring you to the oldest surviving house in what was originally the Huron Tract. Built by the eldest son of Colonel Anthony Van Egmond in 1846 it presents a fine example of Georgain architecture. The bricks were hand made on the property and from the colouration of the walls one can see the different periods of build related to the firing of the brick.
The house and grounds were saved in the early 1970s from demolition and a housing development by a dedicated, hard working group of community volunteers. Funds were raised to purchase the property and restore it to how it might have been prior to 1867. It was recognized as an Ontario Heritage property and those signs direct travelors to the Reserve. The Province of Ontario has generously supported the restoration of the property and will become its owners should the local Van Egmond Foundation discontinue its dedicated work to ensure the property is safe and open to the public in the summer and for special events. The Foundation continues to raise funds and to ensure the property is recognized as a local resource preserving the history of the early settlement and development of the region. Overlooking the Bayfield River, the grounds are a rural retreat offering a quiet spot for a picnic.
[edit] External links
 |
This Western Ontario geographical article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
