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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2006-07-06, Page 14WALTON In front of The Sovereign Bank of Canada •17 Congratulations Grey Township on your 150th Anniversary =FIELD'S *71 a W4 Ploupc,c Brussels 519-887-6851 *4\e‘ S VERNE BRIDGE OWNER Plumbing, Heating, Electrical, Air Conditioning IBeAt 11TiaheA ctey, 5.auttatip, an eciam, /50th Sales installation & service of: • hi-efficiency oil, propane & natural gas furnaces • gas fireplaces • water conditioning units • HRV air exchanges • central vacuum systems • furnace service & repair For all your service needs phone: 519-887-9975 - shop 519-887-9922- residence HEATING & COOLING PRODUCTS www.heil-ca.com Best Wishes Grey Township on your 150th Anniversary The Brubachers of Ethel Neataaftant and giatieftv REAL . Home-cooked meals! Come and try our cinnamon buns. Serving apple dumplings on special occasions and holidays. Mon. - Fri. 7:00 am 'til 6:30 pm; Sat. 8:00 am - 6:30 pm; Sun. Closed 519-887-8659 in Ethel oak faX V' I i Grey Township on your I i 1 i 150TH ANNIVERSARY Sewing the Agtieultuted Community lot over 20 Yeats. Complete line of Shur•Gain products DAUPHIN s"`% '''':;:.. FEED & SUPPLY 1-800-665-5675 DUNGANNON 519-529-7951 FAX 519-529-3341 WALTON 519-887-6023 PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 6, 2006. X56 Grczg Twp. 2006 Walton once had a thriving business community 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. At the turn of' the millennium, the With appreciation to: Grey Township And Its compiled by Marilyn Debbie Rathwell, David and Karen Ellsmore. People, Engel, Dungar Cover Photo: Willim Work (seated) and his sons, from left: Robert, a druggist; Harold, a druggist and John A. Work, a farmer, celebrate his 80th birthday on the home farm located at Lot. 1, Conc. 5 in Grey. The farm was settled by William's parents, Robert and Betsy (Costie) Work, who married April 9. 1852. Their great-grandson Graham and his wife Marg still reside there. Walton Inn is 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 stands on the edge of the community at Lot 1, Conc. 17, Grey Twp., across the concession road from Walton Little School. Continued on page 15 Congratulations Grey Township from BARMY TECH Made in Canada Quality Canvas Promotional Products, Corporate Giftware www. ba rmytech .0n.ca Walton 519-887-9393