Port Dover, Ontario
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Port Dover is a small town in Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada, located on the north shore of Long Point Bay, south of Simcoe, Ontario on Highway 6.
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[edit] History
In 1670, French missionairies François Dollier de Casson and Rene de Brehant de Galinée became the first Europeans to winter at what is now modern day Port Dover. Earthen remains and a plaque mark the spot near the fork of the Lynn River (Patterson's Creek to many older Port Doverites) and Black Creek where they and seven Frenchmen built a hut and chapel. By 1794 the first settlers, a group of United Empire Loyalists, had established a hamlet known as Dover Mills (named after the English port of Dover) which was razed to the ground by the Americans in the War of 1812. Subsequent reconstruction took place closer to the mouth of the Lynn River, where a harbour had been in use since the early 1800s. In 1835, merchant Israel Wood Powell registered a village plan for Port Dover. Improvement to the harbour during the next fifteen years made Port Dover a principal Lake Erie port. Shipyards, tanneries, and Andrew Thompson's woollen-mill contributed substantially to local economic growth. In 1879, Port Dover became an incorporated village with a population of 1,100.
Port Dover in the 20th century became a fishing village and tourist destination. While remaining small, Port Dover's fishing industry at one time hosted the largest freshwater fishing fleet in the world that employed many of the town’s citizens and continues to be important to the community. From 1906 to 1993, the town was home to Thomas A. Ivey and Sons, one of Canada's largest wholesale florists and rose-growers, and Port Dover's largest employer.
[edit] Government
In 1974, Port Dover joined with the city of Nanticoke and came under regional government. In 2001, Haldimand and Norfolk counties separated and became single-tier counties. Port Dover is now part of Norfolk County.
[edit] Tourism
In the summer, Port Dover is busy with thousands of tourists who come to swim in Lake Erie and enjoy the town and surrounding area. The most famous place to eat in Port Dover is the Arbor outdoor restaurant, which has been in operation for more than 80 years. The Port Dover Harbour Museum, housed in an original fisherman's net shanty, commemorates Port Dover's fishing industry. The galleries present exhibits on the days of commercial sail as well as Lake Erie Shipwrecks, Ship Building, Long Point, The War of 1812 and other aspects of lakeside life in this community. The museum is also active in the preservation and presentation of local folklore and living traditions, particularly in the areas of fishing and lakeside history. Since 2002, the museum has been the home to a collection of artifacts from the 1852 wreck of the Steamer Atlantic.
Since 1981, there has been a tradition of motorcycle enthusiasts gathering in the town on Friday the 13th. Chris Simons and approximately 25 friends, through word of mouth, got together at the Commercial Hotel, now known as Angelos of Dover. It was in November and it was Friday the 13th. They decided they should do it every Friday the 13th. On May 13, 2005, an estimated 75,000 bikers and spectators crammed into Port Dover.
[edit] Geography, education and sports
Port Dover has a population of about 5,500. New subdivisions are being built on the western and eastern sides of town. One public elementary school, Port Dover Public School, was closed due to the high cost of maintenance and declining enrolment. The other public elementary school, Doverwood, is to the east of the town's centre. Port Dover Composite School, serves students in grades 7 to 12. There is also a Catholic Elementary School called St. Cecilia's located at the northern end of town on Highway 6 that serves students in grades Jr Kindergarten to grade 8 that recently celebrated its 50th anniversary (2003). Graduates of St.Cecilia's either attend Port Dover Composite school or travel to nearby Simcoe to attend the brand new Holy Trinity Catholic High School (2002). Port Dover is also home to the Port Dover Sailors of the Southern Ontario Junior Hockey League.
