The Rural Voice, 1996-07, Page 46family riding in a horse drawn
vehicle. Several Amish Mennonite
families, known for their hard-
working, simple and deeply religious
way of life, make Chesley
area their home.
Chesley is also known as
the "education centre" of
Bruce County. The Bruce
County Board of Education
administration offices are
located just within the town
limits at the north end of
town. As well, Chesley has a
nursery school, two public
schools and a high school
within the town boundaries.
Because of its quiet,
relaxed atmosphere, Chesley
is a perfect retirement
community, not just for area
farmers who have sold their
farms, but also for urban
dwellers looking to get away
from the hustle and bustle.
There are three retirement
facilities for seniors in
Chcsley, three seniors'
apartment buildings and
plans are in the works for the
construction for another
seniors' building.
Seniors lead active lives in
Chesley! In the summer months, you
can find many of them on the town's
lawn bowling greens. In the winter,
you'll find them at the seniors' centre
playing cards, at music jamborees in
the arena and even at the curling rink.
Community spirit is strong in
Chesley and that pride in the
community is evident wherever you
go. Athletes from the high school
have won all -Ontario titles on
numerous occasions, despite having
the smallest gymnasium of any high
school in the province in which to
train. Plans are well underway for the
construction of a new gymnasium,
library resource centre, cafeteria and
renovated classrooms at the high
slow. Others, after living years in the
city, can't wait to find a small, quiet
and friendly town like Chesley in
which to live! Those fortunate to live
in or near Chesley are
Big Bruce symbolizes Chesley's location in the middle of
Bruce County's cattle country. (Bottom) A Chesley bridge
provides a scenic perch for birds.
Chesley Chamber
of Commerce
Welcomes you to the
"Nicest 'Town Around"
• Scenic Parks with the Saugeen
River winding through
• Swimming Pool
• Modern Hospital
• Trailer Park
• Arena Complex
• Many Small Businesses
• Services Clubs
Why not come and check us out!
42 THE RURAL VOICE
school. Despite a one-year
moratorium on the project by the
Ministry of Education, community
support for the $2 million dollar
project is strong, with half of the
$300,000 to be raised locally already
donated or pledged.
That same community support is
also why the town of Chesley boasts
of having a new hospital. In 1976, the
provincial government threatened —
and did — close the hospital. Strong
community support enabled the
hospital to not only re-opcn, but a
modern and well-equipped 20 -bed
hospital was constructed. It has the
distinction of being the most efficient
small hospital of its kind in the
province.
Leave the hassles of big city
shopping in the city and enjoy the
friendly, down-home shopping
atmosphere on Chesley's Main
Street. From handcrafted furniture
and sporting goods to ladies' wear
and even model train sets, Chesley
has it all!
People often joke about small-
town life — they say there's little
privacy or that the pace is just too
indeed a lucky bunch of
people! For in Chesley, we
have it all — a multitude of
recreational facilities in
every season; a new
hospital, ambulance garage
and firehall; a thriving
business section, ten
churches, beautiful tree -
lined streets, elegant stately
homes, a lovely community
park, active service groups .
.. and so much more!
Each year, the Kinsmen
sponsor Grey -Bruce Agri -
Fair, a display of
agriculturally -related
products; the Rotarians
sponsor a Bantam baseball
tourney, there's the fall fair,
fashion shows, variety
concerts and the newly -
formed Chesley Community
Players have delighted
audiences with two sell-out
comedy performances and
more are in the works!
Chesley is also home to the Chesley
Citizen's Band, the only marching
brass band left in Bruce County and
one of only a few in Canada.
Also unique to Chesley is the
century -old McClure's Feed Mill.
One of the most scenic — and most
often photographed, painted and
sketched place in town — McClure's
Mill is one of the few water -powered
mills left operating in the business.
The mill was built in 1886 by Wm.
Elliot. Fourth generation family
members now work at the mill.
Last year marked the 115th
birthday of the town's incorporation
and a huge week-long Homecoming
celebration was a huge success with
thousands of former and present
citizens joining in the fun and
festivities.
Whether it's celebrating a
homecoming and school reunion,
pitching in to raise funds for a
community project or simply
enjoying the quiet, everyday life in
Chesley, visitors and residents alike
will have to agree ... "there's no
place like Chcsley ... the nicest town
around."0