Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2016-06-23, Page 191 THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016. PAGE 19. Walton's business community thrived in late 1800s WALTON SAWMILL In the late 1880s, Walton was a thriving community, home to numerous businesses and residents. Situated at the junction of Morris, Grey and McKillop Twps., on the Seaforth to Wroxeter trail, the hamlet is named for the English hometown of its founders John and and Anna (Button) Hewitt. It is assumed they settled on Lot 1, Conc. 18 of Grey Twp. around 1859. Soon there were two stores, a lodging house, a blacksmith shop and a sawmill and grist mill. The first log schoolhouse was built in 1860 and residents could attend a Methodist, United Presbyterian or Presbyterian church service. St. George's Anglican Church drew parishioners from 1880 until 1968. The Methodist Church arrived and was used until 1925 when the congregation merged with the Presbyterian to form the United Church. The two Presbyterian congregations had joined in 1910. It then became known as Duff's United Church. There was the Rob Roy and Walton hotels and postal service began in 1862 in one of the general stores. Rural routes began in 1912 and eventually there were four. Biggar's Hotel sold many times over the years. In 1901, the adjoining house was destroyed by fire and two years later, an auction was held for the chattel of McKim's Royal Hotel and household goods. In 1919, the unused hotel was dismantled and the building materials used for area homes. The Walton Hotel was the most successful in the hamlet as it still functions as an inn and restaurant today. Charles Sage took ownership in 1868. Mrs. Sage continued to run the business after her husband's death, until 1901. The Walton Inn is now owned by Graeme and Helen Craig. There is a story which indicates Walton's importance in the last century. There was once a grist mill located at Leadbury, Conc. 12-13 (Hullett-McKillop Rd.) of McKillop Twp. The road to the mill was a toll road so customers would bring their product to Walton, stay overnight, walk across the concessions the next day and return for a second night. The success of two banks in the community is said to be partly due to this business. The Sovereign Bank operated until 1908 and the Standard Bank/Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce served customers from 1918 to 1933. Through the years there were pump makers, butchers, barbers, jewellers, lawyers, blacksmiths, carriage makers, harness makers, livery stable operators, doctors, veterinarians, bankers, implement dealers and garages. Walton experienced a boom after 1907 when the CPR began running through the village. Gradually, businesses began to move away from Walton as cars provided greater mobility to larger stores in neighbouring communities and with the railroad ceasing to run. Duff's United Church stood on the edge of the community at Lot 1, Conc. 17, Grey Twp., across the concession road from the former Walton Little School, until the church closed last year. The first school was a log structure constructed prior to 1872, on Lot 5, Conc. 15, Grey Twp. A second one was built on Lot 30, Conc. 9, Morris Twp. in 1874. Large enrolment forced the construction of another building to the east. A red brick schoolhouse, S.S. No. 11, was built in 1907 next to where these buildings had stood. A second structure was joined in 1920. It was used until 1962 when Walton Public School was built. It was converted to a primary school in 1969. With decreased provincial funding for schools, The Avon Maitland District School Board, which oversees all public schools in Huron and Perth County closed the school. All the children were transferred to Seaforth or split amongst Blyth Public, Grey Central, Brussels Public and Seaforth Public Schools. Walton Hall has an extensive history in the community. After serving as the Methodist Church, first at the corner of Huron County Road 12 (Brussels Line) and McKillop Twp. Conc. 14 (Canada Company Rd.), then moved to Lot 18, Conc. 1 of Grey Twp., the building was used as an Orange Hall from 1927 to 1938. When the Ancient Order of United Workmen's hall was sold and converted to residential use, the community purchased the local Orange Hall. When the hall was moved back across the highway to its present location, hydro lines were an obstacle. The roof and gables were dismantled for the move and the side walls lowered two feet before reconstruction. In 1945, four acres next to the hall were purchased for use as a ball Congratulations Grey Township Brussels PharrnacyBe wel Ph: 226-889-4152 Emergency After Hours: 905-703-0905 Fax: 226-889-4155 453 Turnberry St., (Main) Brussels brusselspharmacy@urbancarehealth.com • We provide full prescription and OTC services to Brussels and surrounding areas. • We'II deliver free. • We waive the ODB co -pay. • We're open Monday to Saturday. • We'II arrange for transfer of your prescriptions. • We'II listen to what you need. Congratulafion6 GrQy 'Township on behalf of Royal Canadian Legion Brussels Branch #218 North Wood Elementary School congratulates Grey Township on its 160th Anniversary Conte celebrate with us: Friday, June 24 7:30 p.m. Euchre Party at North Woods Elementary School Admission $5/Light lunch provided Saturday, June 25 12:30 (after the parade) to 4:00 p.m. Fun Fair North Woods Elementary School • Children must be accompanied by an adult 7ami a jot we 9ed Alt diamond and picnic area. A recreation committee was set up in 1968. In 1976, the park was sold to the recreation committee for $1 and the Walton Area Sports Club was formed. Due to the extensive repairs needed at that time and the increasing difficult task of getting volunteer help, the building was sold to the Women's Institute. In 1995, there was fear the hall would have to be closed, sold or torn down. However, the community once again came to the rescue. A committee to oversee operations and fundraising formed and the hall was busier in 1999 than it had been for many decades. W•r 5D Congratulations Grey Township on your 160th Anniversary CARDIFF & MULVEY REAL ESTATE LTD. BROKERAGE •. P.O. Box 112, Brussels, ON NOG 1H0 KEITH MULVEY Phone: 519-887-9083 Fax: 519-887-9993 • •r. imit%" GREY TOWNSHIP on your 160th Anniversary from PRVLS " w(,+y dr (rr vr�r/(,'a/ Gorwintinify TRANSPORT LTD. Safe, Dependable Trucking Service • Livestock • Bulk Brussels, Ontario 519-887-6122 1-800-667-8399 0 r • eancytatufatiato, q eq 5ow.nAft p, o.rc gawt 6()`h an Niue ,avuwl Featuring Local Products Benjamin's Burgers Now Open Featuring Fresh Cut Fries & Homemade Burgers • Meats • Cheese • Seasonal Produce • Home Decor • Pet Supplies • Liquidation Items Monday - Thursday & Saturday 9 am - 6 pm Friday 9 am - 7 pm Sunday 10 am - 6 pm 44229 Amberley Road - west of Molesworth 519-291-4643 www.old86market.com