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Notes on the Status of Lots 22, 23, 24
Concession I and Broken Fronts III and II
Township of Pickering, Ontario County before 1851 AD
- Formerly Township of Edinburgh, County of York -
Research by J.D. O'Brien
The broken fronts of these lots and especially Lot #24 were involved in a well known legal case of
Parker and Wife v Elliot. The cause was tried before Mr. Justice McLean at the Spring Assizes
1851 held in and for the County of York, being an action of trespass for entering the plaintiff's
close and digging post holes, and building a shanty etc. and occupying the beach for the purposes
of fishing; also that the defendant seized and took divers goods etc., being on the said close, and
carried away and converted the same to his own use.
The jury found for the plaintiff on the first count and for the defendant on the second count.
James Boulton for the defendant obtained a ruling calling on the plaintiff to show cause why such
a verdict should not be set aside and a new trial had. Boulton contended that the land separating
the Bay from the Lake was not granted to Lieut. Hill.
In judgements by Justices Macaulay C.J. and Sullivan J., the verdict given for favor of the plaintiff
was not to be interfered with and that the rule nisi for a new trial should be discharged.
Some of the evidence given at this trial relates to Frenchman's Bay before 1851 is very interesting
to a historian and is as follows:
One of the witnesses for the plaintiff a deputy provincial surveyor (Shier) stated that the broken
_ front of Pickering had not been surveyed in the original survey of that township but that the lines
had been run by a deputy surveyor of the name of Galbraith, under the direction of the
government, at which time not being stated. The broken fronts of the Township of Pickering
were surveyed by P.L.S. Galbraith in 1833 being completed on July 31, 1833. See Letter #16,
Book 23, MS3014 - Archives of Ontario.
Shier proved a copy of the original plan of Pickering in the Surveyor General's office,' in which
the lines are extended through Frenchman's Bay to the shore of Lake Ontario.
Shier found that the strip of land in front of the Bay in No. 24 is 4 chains across from the water of
the Bay to the lake, of which 2 chains and 25 links are beach and I chain 75 links marsh, but that
it is not uniformly so, varying according to the depth of the water; that there was no outlet from
the bay to the lake when he surveyed, although an outlet is indicated on the Government Plan at
Lot 22; it was also in evidence that sometimes there was an outlet and at others not; that this bay
was known to be open as far back as the year 1812 and for twelve or thirteen years afterwards,
and accessible for batteaux and boats; that at that period the waters of the lake washed into the
bay through an entrance near the centre half a mile wide —in short, over and across the spot where
the defendant was proved to have erected a shanty or fishing hut. Other evidence was given,
' Probably Jone's Plan, June 1793 - Archives of Ontario AO 1091
-1-
although not so strong, to the effect that the entrance was not practically open, but that a channel
was formed and sometimes closed; that the level of the lake had been known to vary four feet in
some seasons as compared with others, and that in stormy weather the waters washed up as high
as the defendant's shanty, and a little beyond it, the land behind it being rather higher, the highest
level of the beach being about four feet above the water's level, which level some called the bank,
and up to which the water washed in high water or stormy seasons, others said that in the spring
and autumn the waters in the bay rise and force a passage through to the lake at differing and
varying points, but sometimes deep enough to admit the passage of a sailing vessel from the lake;
that the beach had undergone little change for the last twenty years, and that there are small trees
and coarse grass growing on it.
Evidence presented by the plaintiff was that as far back as 1831 a brother of the plaintiffs was on
the lot improving it for him; that some men had cut 500 cords of wood on it fcr him 19 or 20
years previous to the year 1851; that the wood was drawn out and placed on the beach in front of
the lot (i.e., on the locus in quo), whence it was carried away in vessels; that for some years back
he had allowed a person named Goodwin to use this beach in carrying on the operations of
fishing, for which compensation was made in fish, and that he (Goodwin) had erected a small
shanty on it, &c.
To shew a trespass by the defendant, it was proved that in the autumn of 1849 and 1850, the
defendant had used the beach in front of No. 24 as a fishing ground; that he erected a shanty or
building upon it and dug holes in the ground and planted posts for that purpose; that the posts
were about 20 or 24 yards from the lake; that the shanty was used partly as a lodging and partly
as a cooper's shop, and that the defendant had 14 men in his employment, and that great numbers
came there to buy fish.
At the trial it was admitted that the lot in question was included in a Crown grant to Lieut. G. Hill
dated May 14, 1796.
1796 - Mav 14 - Crown Grant to Lieut. G. Hill in the Township of Pickering
Commencing within one chain of the South -East angle of Lot #25 on the bank of Lake Ontario,
thence North 16 degrees West to the front of the second concession, thence North 74 degrees
East 61 chains, thence South 16 degrees east to Lake Ontario, 238 chains more or less, thence
westerly along the bank of the Lake to the place of beginning; being lots Nos 22, 23, 24 in the 1 S`
concession, to-gether with the broken lots 22, 23 and 24 between the 1 g` concession and the Lake,
containing about 1200 acres of land, exclusive of the usual allowance for highways.
1839 - May 28 - An indenture made between James Givens, Theresa his wife and Saltern Givens
of the one part and Margaret Parker, wife of Reuben Parker of the other, whereby the said parties
of the first part, in consideration of 346£ granted, bargained etc. unto the said Margaret Parker,
-2-
her heirs and assigns in fee, all and singular, those parcels and tracts of land in the said Township
of Pickering, containing by admeasurement 268 acres of land uncovered with water, being
composed of lot 24 in the ? concession, and the broken front lot No. 24 between the 1"
concession and the lake in the said township, butted and bounded as follows: Commencing within
one chain of the S.E. angle of Lot No. 25 on the bank of Lake Ontario, thence North 16 degrees
west to the front of the 2"d concession, then N. 74 degrees E 20 chains, thence S 16 degrees E to
Lake Ontario 190 chains more or less, thence westerly along the bank of the lake to the place of
beginning.
Two Pickering History Books state that the opening from the lake to the Bay was cut in 1843. In
the light of the foregoing evidence presented at the trial it would appear that this date is not
correct.
The foregoing information is taken from "Common Pleas, Easter Term." 15 VIC, UCCP
pp 470-491.
Research by J.D. O'Brien
-3-
Cl
The Lighthouses at Frenchman's Bay
Township of Pickering, Ontario
Lot 24, Conc. B.F. II
439 449 45 Lat N / 799 29 0 Longitude W
1(
1798 - Gibraltar Point Lighthouse at entrance to York Harbour (Toronto) commenced
by money voted by Legislature of Upper Canada. First lighthouse on any of the
Great Lakes.
— Freshwater by George A. Cuthbertson —
1803 - Legislature of Upper Canada passed an Act to tax vessels over 10-ton burden,
also rafts, barges, timber booms for the purpose of building and upkeep of
lighthouses.
1816 - Upper Canada Lights Act amended. Administration of lights turned over to
Trinity House Committee.
1840 - As navigation increased it was essential that aids to navigation be improved.
Between 1828 and 1837 various sums of money were granted for the erection of
a lighthouse at several points along the shores of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.
By 1837 it became apparent that several lighthouses should be built. Instead
of passing separate legislation for each lighthouse, as heretofore, on March 4 an
Act granting to his Majesty a sum of money for the erection of certain lighthouses
was passed.
— Publications of the Province of Upper Canada and of the Great Britain
relating to Upper Canada 1791-1840 —
1841 - Cap 95, WM-7
An Act granting to his Majesty a sum of money for the erection of certain
lighthouses within the province and for other purposes therein mentioned from
1837 to 1840 inclusive together with a statement including the cost of the several
lighthouses that have been erected under and by virtue of the said Act, and the
respective and aggregated expenses of keeping and maintaining the same during
the period and to lay the said Statements before this House.
1854 - Appendix D, 17 VIC
Maintenance of Lighthouses
Salaries of Lightkeepers in Canada West for the year ended 31 Dec. 1853 -
£1,600.
1857 - Harbours and Ports of Lake Ontario - Edward Hodder, M.D.
Published by Toronto Maclean & Co., 16 King St. West
Regarding the harbour light of Frenchman's Bay in 1857, "On the East Pier
is a low miserable lighthouse, the light of which cannot be seen five miles in the
lake."
In the copy of the above in the Baldwin Room - Metro Reference Library
there is a written notation re the harbour light: "1880 - lighthouse 75 ft. high -
good white light."
1863- Frenchman's Bay or Pickering lighthouse established in 1863.
t
— Usque Ad Mare - T.E. Appleton 1968 —
1863- Sessional Papers No. 3, 26 VIC
Lake and River Lighthouses, Buoys, etc. above Lachine
Seven lighthouses were fitted up with coal -oil as a means of illuminating them.
Lightkeepers Salaries for 1862 - $17,036.37
1868 - Control of all Canadian lights, markers and buoys, also fog warnings and storm
signals was taken over by the Federal Government at Ottawa.
— Freshwater - George A. Cuthbertson - 1934 —
1869 - Thompson's Coast Pilot 5th Edition
The Port of Liverpool or Pickering Harbour, formerly called Frenchman's
Bay.
The Port is 26-miles N.E. 'h E of Toronto. It is formed by a bay running into
the land and separated from the lake by a sandy and gravelly beach, through which
is a cut 100-ft wide. The light is on the East pierhead and is visible for 5-miles.
1869 - S.P. No. 12, 32 VIC
The management of lighthouses in Ontario was formerly vested in the
I Department of Public Works and during a portion of the year ending 30th of June,
1868 until the staff of this department was appointed.
1870 - S.P. No. 2, 33 VIC
Lighthouses turned over the Department of Marine and Fisheries.
1871 - S.P. No. 5, 34 VIC
By Act 33 VIC, CAP 18 the Minister of Marine and Fisheries given the
authority to construct lighthouses.
1871 - S.P. No. 5, 34 VIC
List of lights in the Dominion of Canada under the charge of the Department
of Marine and Fisheries.
"Pickering or Liverpool, East Pier, Fixed Light, year Lighted 1863, not under
Marine Dept. - Colour of Light not given."
1872 - S.P. No. 1 to 1876 - S.P. No. 1 - no mention of Frenchman's Bay.
1874 - Oct. - Survey of Pickering Harbour by Wm. Kingsford and F.M. Hamel -
NMC-0026083.
No lighthouse shown on the piers.
1876 - Apr. 1 - Township of Pickering By -Law #404
} Passed April first, 1876 re granting a bonus of six thousand dollars to the
Pickering Harbour and Road Joint Company.
Item 3 - "And shall have erected a Lighthouse on one of the piers and shall
have provided suitable equipment for the same."
"And shall have given the aforesaid Council of the Municipal Corporation of
the Township of Pickering a Bond satisfactory to the said Council."
The bond was about maintenance of harbour improvements, and "for keeping
the lighthouse suitably lit up during the season of Lake Navigation for a period of
thirteen years from the delivery of the said debentures by the Corporation of
Pickering to the said Company."
1876- Sessional Paper #5 - 39 VIC
Report by the Superintendent of Lights above Montreal for fiscal year ending
30 June 1875.
- no mention in this report of a lighthouse at Frenchman's Bay
1877 - List of Lights and Fog Signals - Dept. of Marine
#162 - Pickering or Liverpool, White fixed light, lighted 1863, not under
Marine Dept.
1878 - Frenchman's Bay
Report of the Superintendent of Lights for the District above Montreal, on
a Tour of Inspection, in the steamship "Celtic" for the year 1878.
Sessional Papers - Vol III, 42 Vic - 1879
"The steamer arrived here on the 6th of July. I found everything clean and
in good order. This is an octagonal wooden tower painted white. It stands on the
end of a pier, which has sunk on the N.E. side, giving the tower a list in that
direction; it shows a white catoptric light from a wooden lantern 5-ft in diameter,
containing four glass lamps suspended from the top in a chandelier from the roof
of the lantern, with two 15-inch and two 10-inch reflectors. It should be seen 10-
miles. Size of glass 24-in x 26-in.
A new set of lamps and a proper table for lamps are required for this
lighthouse. The top of the lantern leaks and requires repairs.
The piers and the lighthouse require immediate attention.
James McClellan has a family of six."
Expenditures on account of Maintenance of Lights at Frenchman's Bay:
James McLellan - 12 month's salary as Light Keeper is $100.00
1879 - Dec. 31 - List of Lights and Fog Signals, Dept. of Marine and Fisheries
#183 - Frenchman's Bay or Pickering Light on East pier head at Lat 43-48-
45, Long 79-7-20. A white fixed light, lighted in 1863.
1880 - (see 1857)
1882 - Frenchman's Bay - Expenditures
John Leng - 12 month's salary as Lighthouse Keeper - $100.00.
E. Chantiloup - 6 panes of green glass - $12.50.
— 45 VIC - Al882 - Vol. IV - Sessional Paper V —
1883- Liverpool - Breakwater on West Side of Harbour $5,000.00
— 46 VIC - A1883 - Sessional Papers I —
1883 -May 25 - The lighthouse is now undergoing thorough repairs, a number of Government men
being engaged in the work.
1883 - June 1 - Government men are engaged in thoroughly repairing the lighthouse at Pickering
Harbour.
— Whitby Chronicle —
1883 - June 15 - The Government engineer is still here in connection with the repairs going on at
the lighthouse.
1891 - May 1 - The lighthouse Inspector visited our village the other day and examined
thoroughly that institution. We are told that the Government intends to make
some needed repairs during the summer.
1891 - May 15 - The Government having decided to furnish our lighthouse with a boat, asked for
tenders, and several were received from Toronto and other firms. W. Edwards,
of this place received the contract and we expect to see a flying skiff afloat over
one of these days.
1891 - May 29 - The boat which is being built by Wm. Edwards for the lighthouse is near
completion.
1892 - Scott's Coast Pilot
Fixed green light visible 10-miles. White octagonal wood tower 47-ft high
on East pier.
1896 - July 17 - The supply ship "Acadia" called last Saturday with supplies for the lighthouse.
1896 - C.H.J. Snider's "Schooner Days" DCLXII, Telegram Oct. 21, 1944. Snider
mentions the green light of the lighthouse.
1898 - Sept. 16 - Abraham Stoner, the lighthouse keeper died Sept. 10. As keeper he received
$125.00 per year - 62 VIC 1898.
1898 - Oct. 13 - Matthew O'Brien appointed lighthouse keeper - 62 VIC 1899.
1899- William Edwards - for painting lighthouse $10.00 - 62 VIC 1899.
1902 - July 18 - The work on the piers is nearing completion. It is understood that in the near
future the present lighthouse will be torn down and a more modern one
constructed.
1902 - Nov. 14 - The pier work is almost completed and the building of the lighthouse is going on.
It is expected to be completed in about two weeks.
1902- Frenchman's Bay: The lighthouse on the south end of the east pier had formerly
stood on a cribwork block raised 10-ft about the deck of the piers. This block has
been removed and the lighthouse has been lowered to the deck of the pier. At the
same time the foundation of the tower in the cribwork of the pier is being rebuilt.
The work is being done under the direction of Mr. H.A. Gray, Resident Engineer,
Public Works Department in connection with extensive repair work on the
breakwater at an estimated cost of $1,500.00.
Chief Engineer's Report for 12 months ending Nov. 30, 1902
1903 - June 19 - The lighthouse which has undergone extensive repairs and improvements is now
considered about the best on the North Shore of Lake Ontario. Repairs were
under the direction of W.W. Sparks.
1905 - Repairs to Lighthouse being $327.67.
1907 - The Lake Pilot's Handbook by Capt. Trimble
- Pickering - a fixed green light
- 8-ft depth in piers. No custom office listed for Frenchman's Bay or
Liverpool Market.
1910 - Scott's New Coast Pilot
- as in 1892 with the addition of: Direction of Piers is S by E '/2. East pier is
685-ft lg, W-pier 835 ft lg.
1911 - Scott's Coast Pilot - 8th Edition
- as 1910 - and a fixed green light visible 6-miles. White octagonal wood
tower 47-ft high on East pier.
1912 - C.H.J. Snider's "Schooner Days" DCLXVI - Telegram Nov. 11, 1944
In this column a Mr. W.B. Dunbar writes about the lighthouse.
"The old pier gave away and listed badly to the East. Temporary bracing was
used for awhile. Finally the old lighthouse had to come down and the pier rebuilt.
The crib was built on the Bay side of the sandbar to the west, launched and floated
into place. The lighthouse in the picture was then erected."
1915 - List of Lights and Fog Signals shows:
A white, wooden, octagonal tower, 47-ft high, established 1863, altered
1880.
White light, visible 11-miles, visible 10-secs, eclipse 5-secs.
1915- Last year for service of the lighthouse.
r — Canadian Coast Guard 1992 —
1915- NOTICE TO MARINERS
No 8 of 1915
ONTARIO
(22) Lake Ontario, Frenchman's Bay, intended change in character of light
Position - On East, Pierhead
Date of Alteration - Opening of navigation in 1915 without further notice.
Alteration - The fixed green catoptric light will be replaced by an occulating white
light visible 7-secs and eclipsed 3-secs alternately
Order - Fourth Dioptric
Dept File No 21811 A
N to M No 8 (22) 26-1-15
Canada Gazette 1915, page 2,599
1915- NOTICE TO MARINERS
No 40 of 1915
ONTARIO
(134) Lake Ontario, Frenchman's Bay
Former Notice, No 8 (22) of 1915
Position - On East Pierhead
New characteristics of light - occulting white light, visible 10 secs and eclipsed 5
secs, alternately.
Dept File No 21811 A
N to M No 40 (134) 6-4-15
List of Lights - 1914, No 1811
Canada Gazette 1915, page 3,365
1915- NOTICE TO MARINERS
No 87 of 1915
Inland No. 26.
All bearings unless otherwise noted, are true and are given from seaward in degrees from
00 (North) to 3600, measured clockwise, followed by the magnetic bearing in degrees
in brackets, miles are nautical miles, heights are above high water,
and all depths are at mean low water.
ONTARIO
(299) Lake Ontario —Frenchman's Bay —Light to be discontinued.
Position. —On east pierhead, Frenchman Bay.
Light to be discontinued —On 1 st September, 1915, the maintenance of the
occulting white light at Frenchman Bay will be discontinued, without further
notice.
N. to M. No. 87 (299) 21-7-15
Authority: Memo from Commissioner of Lights.
Admiralty charts: Nos. 1152 and 797.
Publication: U.S.H.O. Publication No. 108 D, 1907, page 138.
Canadian List of Lights and Fog Signals, 1915: No. 1811.
Departmental File: No. 21811 K.
Canada Gazette 1915, page 524
1917 - Marine Survey of Frenchman's Bay shows lighthouse but "discontinued" printed
beside it.
1921 - Sailing Directions for the Canadian Shores of Lake Ontario, Dept. of Naval Service
- Piers are 630-ft long and 100-ft apart. A disused lighthouse is erected on
the outer end of the East pier. The winding channel from the inner end of the piers
to the ice houses and elevator on the East side of the Bay has a depth of at least
seven feet. The channel is not buoyed and outside of it, the Bay is very shallow.
1923-Aug. 10 The lighthouse was still standing in 1923. According to the Pickering News it was
used to hide stolen goods taken from cottages on the east beach. Paul Greison was
sentenced to six months in the Ontario Reformatory by Magistrate Clark for the theft.
1924 - Lighthouse torn down by Dept. of Transport according to local inhabitants. Parts of
the structure ended up in local homes, a piece of the stairs went to a house on the 4th
Concession and another section is still in use (1999) in a house in the Village of
Fairport.
Frenchman's Bay
1763 - 1799
List of Indian Trade Licenses granted for Detroit and places above St. Regis on the Iroquois
River.
`1768 - Sept. 26 - Ignace Pillet to trade at Oswego, Toronto, Niagara and from thence at
any market or parts between.
11777 - Pollard Wilson and Dufl'm - destination - Niagara #53, p2240.
`1778 - Wm. Taylor and Wm. Dufl'm - destination - Niagara, p2269.
` - RGB4, B28, R 1096, R 1098 - National Archives of Canada.
1767 - Sir William Johnston writing from Niagara: "I am informed that there are
several more from Canada trading with the Indians on the north side of Lake
Ontario, and up along the rivers in that quarter, which, if not prevented, must
ruin the fair trader."
- Johnston to Carleton - State Papers 1890
1770 - Trading houses existed on Lake Ontario between 1770 and 1780 at Pinewood
Creek and Piminis Cotyan Landing on the north shore and occasionally a stray
trader wintered in the Mississauga villages at Rice Lake and Toronto.
- Early Traders and Trade Routes 1760 - 1782
Capt. Ernest Cruikshank - 1893
1770 - A license issued on September 13th, 1770 at Quebec to St. Jean Rousseau for
1 year "to pass unmolested with one canoe and six men from Montreal to
Toronto with liberty to dispose of his goods and effects as he should
occasionally find a market in his passage."
- Toronto during the French Regime - Robinson
This would mean that Rousseau probably traded at Frenchman's Bay and
Pinewood (Dufrin's Creek).
1778 - First white settler in Ontario County was Benjamin Wilson who settled east of
Oshawa.
- Ontario County - Farewell
1779 - 13 March "Got off at daylight; the wind from the land, could not sail, rowed till
twelve; passed the high levels and a small bay. Put into Pinewood Creek. Here
one Duffim resided formerly, since when a Frenchman has resided here. He
went off a little before we came. Two houses a little up the creek, one entire,
the other stripped. This creek is famous with the Indians for great quantities of
fish. The distance from this to the other end of the highlands is about 20 miles,
15 of which are few or no places where a boat could be saved in case of a storm
off the lake, the bank being very high and steep, being a mixture of clay and
chalk nearly as hard as freestone; it forms a romantic, wild view, in many places
appearing like towns in ruins, the relics of houses, remains of chimneys etc.
From the lake you would take it for a large town built of stone partly
demolished. Put off at 10 o'clock."
The Journal of Captain Walter Butler on a voyage along the north shore of
Lake Ontario, from the 8th to the 16th of March, 1779.
1783 - A survey of Lake Ontario was done by H. Laforce on the Naval Department
and Lewis Knotte. The north shore was surveyed in 1783 and the south and
east shore in 1789. Survey ordered by Lord Dorchester.
1787 - Margaret Clyne the second wife of Jean Baptiste Rousseau paddled by herself
from Hamilton to Cataraqui along the north shore of Lake Ontario, sleeping
alone on shore. It is possible that one of her stops was Frenchman's Bay.
- Jean Baptiste Rousseau - P. Robinson
1787 - A merchant vessel on Lake Ontario before 1787 was the "Lord Dorchester", a
fur company transport.'
1787 - Naval force on Lake Ontario. `
Seneca. - 18 guns - 130 tons
Limevale - 10 guns - 220 tons
Caldwell - 2 guns - 37 tons
2 Schooners being built
1788 - July 24th - Proclamation by Governor -in -Chief Lord Dorchester divided the
western portion of the Province of Quebec into four districts. Frenchman's Bay
was then in the District of Nassau.
1793 - June 22 - Jone's plan for Township of Edinburgh in the Riding of York.
Major Smith 5000 acres, Order -in -Council 19 Oct. 1792.
- Ontario Archives A.O.1091
1793 - June 21 - Projection of 4800 acres of land for Major John Smith in Township
#9, near Toronto.
- Township No. 9 Olim Edinburgh Nunc - Pickering
`Province of Ontario 1615 - 1927 - Middleton Vol. II
1794
DIARY OF JOURNEY FROM NIAGARA TO KINGSTON IN
NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER, 1794.
Nov.
13th. Left Niagara, arrived in the evening at the Twenty Mile Creek.
14th. Arrived at the sand beach at the head of the Lake. Mr. Wallace brought with him
from Niagara Colonel England's dispatches. Snow.
15th. Arrived at the Sixteen Mile Creek on the north shore. Snow.
16th. Arrived at York, Snow.
17th. The Lieutenant Governor crossed to the Point to review the works with Captains
McGill, Shank, &c.
18th. The Lieutenant Governor walked to the town to see the improvements there. Snow.
19th. Intended to leave York but still snow and contrary wind.
20th. Left York. The wind fair but blowing very hard. Encamped below the Highlands.'
21 st. Wind fair. Arrived about 1 o'clock in the day at Wilson's% but our mast having
22nd. given way and our rudder being bent by a rock we put up early at Stoner'S.2
23rd. Wind bound at Stoner's.
24th.
25th. Met Mr. Walker encamped above Presque Isle.
26th.
27th. Below the Carrying Place, procured a sheep.
28th.
29th. At West Lake procured a hog.
30th.
Dec.
1st. Below Gravel Point ground swampy.
2nd. Quite calm. Crossed from the False Ducks to the opposite side of South Bay. In the
evening arrived between Amherst Isle and the Township of (illegible) Emestown(?).
put up at one Phincle's.3
3rd. Being favored with a fair wind arrived early in the day at Kingston.`
'Scarboro (township) Heights.
2In Scarboro township.
3Probably the tavern kept by Henry Finkel near the present village of Bath.
°This Diary was probably kept by Captain William Mayne of the Queen's Rangers.
'Probably the Wilson's who settled just east of Oshawa Harbour in 1778.
The Simcoe Papers Vol III, 1794-1795.
1795 - Plan of Dundas Road shows Scarborough, Pickering and Whitby townships.
- A.O.2096
1796 - May 6 - Crown Grant to Capt. George Hill, Concession I - Lots 22, 23, 24,
Broken Front Ranges included.
- Ontario Registry Office
1796 - All frontier posts on the south side of the lake were given up to the U.S.A.
- Ontario Historical Society Vol VII - 1906
1799 - The first settler in the area near Frenchman's Bay would appear to be William
Peak. In 1796 he was living next to John Stoner in the SW corner of Hope
Township.2 He bought land from Timothy Rogers in Lot 14, Broken Front,
Range II, it being registered on July 22, 1807.3 He was an Indian trader and
interpreter and a friend of Waubikshko, an Indian Chief whose sway extended
from the Credit to the Bay of Quinte about the year 1800.'
The Peak House is mentioned in August of 1814. At the Court Martial
proceedings against John Stotes he states, "he was informed of the alarm by his
father who was at Duffin's Creek unloading merchandise from a boat at Peak
House."'
2Elias Smith's list of settlers in Hope in 1797
3Ontario Registry Office
°Ontario County - Farewell
'York Militia Papers
Frenchman's Bay
1800 - 1900
1801 - 4 June - Earliest records of a municipal meeting of Whitby and Pickering
Townships`
1803 - 7 Mar. - Meeting of Whitby and Pickering Townships held at Samuel Munger's,
Pickering Conc. II Lot 16'
1807 - Order for the Militia of the County of York to be immediately assembled,
a detachment to be formed for actual service and after being inspected are
to be dismissed with orders to assemble at an hours notice. This included
Militia settled in York, Scarborough and Pickering to the South West of
Duffin's Creek. To assemble at the Town of York the fifth day of Dec.
next.
Jarvis Papers dated York 29th November 1807
1811 - 4 Mar. - Meeting of Pickering Township entered in the first township book.'
1812 - 1814 In this war between Great Britain and United States, Canada was the chief
target of American attack. Men from Scarborough and Pickering joined
the York Militia. One of these men connected with the Frenchman's Bay
area was Abraham Stoner. He was born about 1790, his father was John
Stoner a United Empire Loyalist who had fought with Butler's Rangers.
John Stoner was a friend of William Peak and followed him to Pickering
from Hope Township. Abraham was a private in the 3rd Regiment of
York Militia, 2nd Flank Company under Lieut. Colonel Chewett. He was
with Brock in the attack on Detroit in August of 1812 and was awarded
the Detroit Medal. In 1875 at the age of 85 he applied for a veteran's
pension being #2692, case 516. Application made by William Whiteside
and Post Office listed as Dunbarton.
1816 - Thomas Hubbard sold pine logs for rebuilding Fort York. Some pines
were 10 ft. in diameter and 150 ft. long. Also sold oak to British Navy for
masts at $50.00 each. All hauled down to Frenchman's Bay and dumped
in the Lake. Hubbard owned the S.E. corner of Brock Road and 6th
Concession.
Brougham - R.A. Miller
'Life and Times of Joseph Gould -Higgins
1820 - Schooner "Duke of York" built at mouth of Rouge River by Captain
Hadley.
Township of Scarborough - Boyle —
1822 - The Wood Duck, the earliest Stone -Hooker recorded. Built in the Rouge
River in 1822.
— C.H.J. Snider - CXV —
1823 - May "Seven miles west of Cobourg commences a line 3 and one half miles long
of clay and sand banks, ten to eighty ft. high. At thirty-five miles east of
Toronto we begin to pass for many miles, very deep bays of shallow water,
half growing up with rushes, fit haunts for myriads of wild fowl and
extending far inland with long spits of shingle here and there, the back
country undulating and showing the mouths of several rivers. Fourteen
miles from Toronto the Highlands commence, from eighty to three hundred
feet high.
We never saw a human being from Presque Isle to Toronto (save at
Cobourg) and very few houses and those miserable ones.
Left Kingston 14th of May on board a roomy open boat."
— The Shoe and the Canoe Vol II - Bigsby —
1826- The new steamer "Canada" was towed into port this week by the
"Toronto," from the mouth of the River Rouge, where she was built last
winter. To be fitted out in York. "Toronto" under Captain Shaw.
— The Loyalist - June 3, 1826 —
The "Canada" under Captain Richardson.
The Loyalist - Aug. 12, 1826
The above from "Toronto of Old" - Henry Scadding
The "Canada" was the first regular Canadian mail steamer on Lake
Ontario.
— Pioneer Travel - Guillet
1831 - In this year Mr. William Dunbar J.P. arrived in Canada and settled on Lot
25, Con. I, Township of Pickering. He founded the Village of Dunbarton
about 1849. He was one of the founder of the Pickering Harbour and
Road Joint Stock Company which was formed in 1850. In 1851 he was
listed as Treasurer.
1833 - May 29 - Galbraith instructed to survey the broken fronts of the Township of
Pickering.
Letter, Galbraith to Hurd; Pickering, July 31, 1833, reporting completion
of his survey of the Broken Fronts of this Township.
Letter No. 16, Book No. 23, MS 30/4, Archives of Ont.
Extracts from letter:
"You will see from my plan of the Survey that I found the situation of
the shore very different from what was represented on the Diagram that
accompanied my instructions."
"The woods adjoining the shore are almost without an exception very
thick with a growth of small brush and in this time of the year covered
with a growth of almost impenetrable thicket of leaves."
"It may be proper to mention that the season of the year and the
weather were both extremely unfavourable to the speedy execution of the
survey."
1834 - "Charlotte of Pickering" built at mouth of Rouge River by William Quick.
— Township of Scarborough - Boyle —
1841 - Population of Pickering Township
Males under 16 -
1073
Females under 16 -
947
Males above 16 -
937
Females above 16 -
792
Total in Township - 3752
6 VIC - Appendix M - A 1842 —
1845 - Pickering alone exported 3 million feet of lumber, cut in its 20 sawmills.
This lumber was shipped out of Frenchman's Bay and the Rouge to
Oswego N.Y.
A History of the Toronto Waterfront - Brian Bailey —
1846 - PICKERING
A Township in the Home District; is bounded on the north by the
township of Uxbridge; on the west by Markham and Scarborough; on the
east by Whitby; and on the south by Lake Ontario. In Pickering 63,061
acres are taken up, 24,551 of which are under cultivation. The land in the
interior of the township is rather hilly, and the timber of a large portion of
it is pine. At the entrance of Duffm's Creek, which runs through the
township, is a bay called Big Bay (also called Frenchman's Bay, from a
battle said to have been fought on its banks between the old French settlers
and the Indians), about three miles in circumference, with a depth of from
two to three fathoms: it is separated from the lake by a narrow sand bar,
through which a channel is sometimes formed having a depth of six feet of
water. In Pickering are four grist and twenty-one saw mills, from which
latter were exported last year about 3,000,000 feet of lumber.
Population in 1842, 3752.
Ratable property in the township, £62,894.
DUFFIN'S CREEK, OR CANTON
A Village in the township of Pickering, situated on Duffin's Creek,
about three miles from Lake Ontario, and twenty-three miles from
Toronto. Contains about 130 inhabitants. Churches and chapels, 4; viz.,
Presbyterian, Catholic, British Wesleyan, and Quaker. The eastern roads
runs through the village.
Post Office, post every day.
Professions and Trades. —One grist mill, one brewery, one tannery,
three stores, two taverns, three shoemakers, two tailors, one blacksmith,
one wagon maker.
— Smith's Canada - 1846 —
1847 - David Gardiner sold the land now known as Fairport -United Church
Cemetery to the Trustees of the Bible Christian Church. Selling price was
Ten Pounds and the land was to be used as a cemetery and to build a
church.
1848 - Village of Fairport surveyed by John Shier P.L.S. August 17 and registered
Oct. 6, 1848.
1850 - June - "Frenchman's Bay not open to the Lake although an outlet is indicated on
the Government Plan opposite Lot 22. It was evident that at some time
there was an outlet and at others not. Bay was known to be open as far
back as the year 1812 and for twelve or thirteen years afterwards, and
accessible for batteaux and boats. Sometimes a channel was formed and
sometimes closed."
— John Shier - P.L.S.
Parker vs Elliot - UCCP 470
1850 - Dec. 11 - Pickering Harbour and Road Joint Stock Company registered.
1851 - Daily stage from Toronto to Oshawa.
Travel in Ontario before the Railroad - J.T. Talman
1851 - "About 2-miles East of the Rouge River is a large Bay called Frenchman's
Bay which approaches to within 1/2-mile of the road. It is about a mile
across, 1 1/4-miles broad, 7-20 ft. deep. Sandbar is 6-8 rods wide. A
company is now formed for the purpose of improving and completing the
harbour which is to be ready (according to contract) for the reception of
vessels next October. Piers are to be run out to the 12-ft. of water and the
channel between the piers is to be 100-ft. wide. The capital of the
Company is £6,000.
— Smith's Canada Vol II, 1851 —
1853 - May 23 - Pickering Harbour Road Joint Stock Company incorporated.
1856 - Aug. 11 - Train ran Toronto -Oshawa on the new Grand Truck Railroad (now
C.N.R.).
Oct. 27 - Rail service from Toronto to Montreal on the same line.
— Pioneer Travel - E.C. Guillet
1856 - Schooner "Eliza Ann" built at Frenchman's Bay and owned by P. Gullichel.
C.H. Snider CXV —
1856 - The "Caledonia," a 95-Ton Schooner was built at Port Union. Launched
by Helliwell & Hetherington. Went aground at Oshawa in 1880.
— Fact & Folklore - J. Spilsbury
1857 - Stone -Hooking forbidden within 3 perches of the low water line of Lake
Ontario. 1 perch = 17.5 ft.
Act of Legislature —
1858 - DAILY STAGE
From Brougham to Frenchman's Bay Station on the Grand Trunk
Railroad connecting with the morning and evening trains.
James Hubbard
— Whitby Chronicle
1864 - The schooner "Anna Bellchambers" built by William Bellchambers of
Frenchman's Bay. A small schooner built for carrying wood. Vessel was
52-ft long, 13-ft 6-in beam, 5-ft depth of hold and 31-tons register.
1865 - Wm. Whiteside and others against granting a license to sell spirituous
liquors at Pickering Harbour.
— Whitby Chronicle, Aug. 10, 1865 —
1867 - Mar. 23 - Pickering Council instructs the Treasurer to pay Edward Sullivan $1.50
for a coffin, for a child found drowned at Frenchman's Bay.
— Whitby Chronicle, Mar. 28, 1867
1867 - Sept. 10 - Pickering Council - Mr. Weir moves that the Reeve grant an order on the
Treasurer in favour of William Ferguson for the sum of $8.50 to furnish
coffin, digging a grave and burying a man found drowned on the beach in
front of this township.
1868 - Feb. 10 - Pickering Council instructs the Treasurer to pay the sum of one dollar to
R. MacGinty for digging grave for child found at Frenchman's Bay in
1866.
— Whitby Chronicle
1868 - Pickering Township Council moves to have a map or plan of all the
unregistered villages in the Township made to a scale required by law and
to be deposited in the local registry office, in accordance with the Statutes
of Upper Canada, Cap 93.
— Whitby Chronicle - Aug. 29, 1868 —
1870 - Sept. 10 - Pickering Township Council Meeting. A contract was awarded to John
Fisher and Wm. Bellchambers to build a bridge over the marsh between
lots 20 and 21, now Sandy Beach Road.
— Whitby Chronicle
1872- Pickering Township Council granted a certificate to obtain a Tavern
License to John Fisher of Fairport.
Whitby Chronicle - Feb. 15, 1872 —
1872 - Aug. 24 - Mr. Palmer moved that the Reeve be authorized and required on behalf
of this Council to communicate with C.J. Brydges, Managing Director of
the Grand Truck Railway in reference to the removal of the station from
Frenchman's Bay.
Whitby Chronicle
Note: The above station was opposite the Plaza on Bayly Street and was
called Dunbarton. It was on the south side of the tracks and almost in line
with St. Martin's Drive.
1874 - Oct. 8 - Veterans of 1812
Canadian Veterans who had served in the Militia during the war of 1812
would, on proof being made of the fact, receive a pension from the
Imperial Government.
— Whitby Chronicle
1878 - Dec. 19 - At a dinner held at Secker's Hotel in December for the employees of the
Pickering Harbour Company and of the grain house of Messrs. W.D.
Matthews & Co. a toast was made to the success of Secker's new hotel,
which they propose to build.
— Whitby Chronicle —
1880 - Apr. 15 - The Secker House at Liverpool Market is now about completed; an
elaborate verandah is being put on the south and east sides of the building,
giving the house a cozy appearance.
— Whitby Chronicle —
Note: The Secker House was located at the NW corner of Liverpool Road
and the Kingston Road or No. 2 Highway.
1881 - Nov. - First issue of the "Pickering News". Publisher was W.H. Higgins of the
Whitby Chronicle. Other publishers were L.S. Ackerman, A. Richardson,
Clark Bros., Thexton, Murkar.
— The Village of Pickering, 1800-1970 - Morley —
1882 - Schooner "Madeline" owned by Matthew O'Brien of Frenchman's Bay was
built by Lem Dorland of Bronte. Keel 70-ft, beam 20-ft, one of a series
built by Dorland in the 1880's for the stone trade. Others were the
"Newsboy", "Rapid City" and the "Northwest". A fast centreboard
schooner with a clipper bow, beamy and easy to load, she carried half of
her 10-toise (100-ton) on deck.
1883 - Dec. 14 - Pickering Harbour Sunday School purpose to have an entertainment and
Christmas tree on Wednesday eve following Christmas, similar to the one
they had last year. A pleasant time expected.
1883 - Apr. 18 - Disastrous Fire - April 14
At Liverpool Market —destruction of Mr. Aaron Burt's store, the post -
office, telegraph office, etc. Shortly after eleven o'clock on Monday
night last fire was noticed in the building occupied by Mr. Aaron Burt as
a general store, telegraph and post -office, and before the occupants were
scarcely able to comprehend the situation the building in the rear of the
store proper was completely enveloped in flames. Some persons went to
the hotel opposite and roused the inmates, all of whom had retired, and
when they came out they at once proceeded to arouse Mr. Burt and his
wife who had also retired and who were unaware of the peril they were in.
With the assistance of those present they succeeded in saving a small
portion of the household furniture. The flames spread with such rapidity,
however, that efforts in the direction of saving anything of the contents of
the store were fruitless, and the spectators were obliged to stand and see
thousands of dollars worth of property fall a prey to the devouring
elements. The warehouse adjoining the store, which was used for storing
grain, flour, salt, etc., soon became ignited, and as it was a wooden
structure, it did not take long to raze it to the ground. The fire is believed
to have originated between the store and the adjoining building, but by
what means it is impossible to ascertain. It is quite probable it was the
work of an incendiary. The buildings were owned by Mr. Taylor, of
Toronto, and were fully insured. On the stock Mr. Burt had an insurance
in the Citizens, of Montreal, and the Agricultural, of Watertown, N.Y., of
$2,000. His loss will reach $1,500 over and above that amount. The horses
and peddling wagon were fortunately got out in time to prevent their
destruction. The wind, which was blowing heavy from the south-east, blew
the sparks across the street, and it was with considerable difficulty that the
sheds and stables at Mr. Secker's hotel, as well as the bank building were
saved. Two or three times they caught fire, but the flames were quickly
subdued. Considerable sympathy is expressed for Mr. Burt, as he only
lately commenced business at the Market, and was beginning to work up
a good trade. The corner now presents a bleak and desolate appearance.
"The Pickering News"
1884 - June 27 - At Pickering Harbour, the office and contents belonging to Mr. Munson
of Cobourg were destroyed by fire on Sunday morning at 4 am.
1884 -Sept. 19 - A telephone has been put in at Liverpool Market by Mr. G.E. Gibbard
of Whitby, the agent.
1884 - Dec. 19 - Mr. H. Nicholson has been holding special services at the Friends Church,
Pickering Harbour, during the past week.
1885 - July 24 - The Pickering News now has a telephone.
1885 - Aug. 14 - "Observer's" Observations
Mr. Editor —In passing down the road to the harbour we were pleased to
notice the change wrought in that place in so short a time in the way of
improvements. The first thing that meets our gaze is M.W. Palmer's barn,
newly shingled, the farm being occupied now by Mr. F. Hilts, who has
proved himself to be a successful tenant. From this place the road has
been well drained to the harbour, and a good coating of gravel put on.
Passing on we find Mr. James King filling his new capacious barn to the
fullest extent with the golden grain. Serves him right. Next we find
Mr. Edwards building a new house, which we hear a lady of your village
and a gent of the harbour are to occupy as soon as their wedding tour is
over. Good luck to them. But hurry up the house, Mr. E. Just across the
street we find Mr. John Fisher making preparations for plastering his
house. Mr. Thos. Mansfield has also been improving by stone work and
plastering. On turning the corner of the Leys property we find
Mr. Henderson, of Dunbarton, with his staff of men taking down the barn
and shed that was in connection with the old hotel, and moving them to a
farm owned by Mr. Leys. The right man has got the job. Mr. W. Sparks
has also taken the hint, and has thoroughly renovated his house. He has
put up a new fence in front, which adds greatly to the looks of the place.
Last but not least we find the P.H. Co.'s elevator undergoing a wonderful
change. The roof has been painted by Messrs. Downswell & Hilts, of your
village, and done in a workmanlike manner. We would think that it would
be rather a dangerous undertaking, and no one but level-headed men could
do it. The body of the elevator is being painted by Mr. R. Sullivan, of
Dunbarton. The colour is a dark red, trimmed with white. The cupola is
to be white. This looks like business on the part of the company, who
deserve credit for the way they are keeping up the pace and giving us one
of the best grain markets on the lake shore. They are also putting in an
abundant supply of the best quality of coal to be had. Other improvements
are being made, which we will not note for the present, as we would be
taking up too much space in your valuable paper. So we wander
houseward, and bid the people of the harbour good -night. OBSERVER
'Pickering News"
_ 1886 - William Allen, a minister in the Society of Friends from Ohio, will be in
attendance at the Friend's Meeting held at Pickering Harbour.
1886 - Dec. 17 - The Pickering Harbour Sunday School will hold their Christmas tea and
entertainment on Friday evening Dec. 24, commencing at 7 pm. Admission
15¢. All are invited.
1887 - Apr. 29 - Thos. Mansfield has added a store to his house on Commerce Street.
1887 - July 22 - Friends annual picnic to Cowan's Grove. Mr. Sparks' steam launch and
a number of boats conveyed the party from the Bay to the Grove at
Rosebank.
1887 - Oct. 24 - Pickering Township By-law #588 - a new Corporate Seal adopted.
1887 - Dec. 16 - Pickering Harbour Sabbath School. An entertainment will be given by
the scholars of Pickering Harbour Sunday school, on Tuesday, December
20th, to consist of readings, recitations and singing by the school, and
addresses by prominent speakers. A special feature during the evening will
be the unloading of the Christmas ship, "Glad Tidings," of her full cargo
of presents for young and old. Refreshments provided for the children. A
cordial invitation is extended to all. Come and help us spend the evening.
Admission 15c. Doors open at 8 p.m. P.J. Wright, Treas.; T. Mansfield,
Sec.; W.W. Sparks, Supt.
1887 - Dec. 30 - Christmas Boat. The Christmas boat, held by the Friends Sunday
school at the Harbour, on Tuesday, the 19th inst., was quite a success. The
program was extensive and varied. A very interesting part of the evening's
proceedings was the distribution of the presents taken from the boat. The
report of the secretary showed that the school was in a healthy state,
financially and otherwise. A considerable sum was realized at the door.
1887 - Mar. 11 - Mr. Thomas Moody has been appointed landingwaiter at Liverpool
Market to fill the vacancy caused by Mr. O'Leary's death.
— Whitby Chronicle —
1888 - Mar. 23 - W.D. Matthews dies of the firm of W.D. Matthews and Company (Grain
Merchants). Mr. Thomas Moody is the representative in Pickering.
1888 - Mar. 30 - Contract for gravelling the Bay Road let to Frank Matthews and Alex
Burrell.
1888 - July 6 - The Friends Society Sunday School Picnic
The Pickering Harbour Sabbath School proposes holding their annual
picnic on Wed. next July 11. Boats will leave the harbour at 10 a.m. and
proceed to Mr. Wm. Cowan's Grove at the mouth of the Rouge River
where arrangements will be made for spending an enjoyable day. Picnic
free. A special boat for provision baskets. All our welcome.
W.W. Sparks Supt.
1888 - Dec. 21 - Re the bad condition of the Bay Road (Liverpool Road). It is estimated
that 4 to 5,000 tons of merchandise pass over this road in 3 months of the
year.
Letter from George Parker to Pickering News
1890 - July 4 - The local Board of Health have passed the following resolution, which
they intend to carry out to the very letter: "That after the 14th day of July,
A.D., 1890, no fish shall be cleaned or cured at the Village of Fairport, in
the Township of Pickering, except in houses built expressly for that purpose
and situated on the beach dividing the Frenchman's Bay from the lake, at
a distance of three rods from high water mark. And that all decayed fish
and offal from fish shall be buried at least two feet below the surface of the
ground, within twelve hours after landing said fish. And that the said
houses shall be kept clean and regularly disinfected so as to prevent any
unhealthy odour arising therefrom. And that any party wishing to erect
such a house must apply for permission from one of the Sanitary Inspectors
of this township and give exact location of said proposed house, and
receive permission of the said Sanitary Inspector before commencing to
clean or cure any fish in said house. And that ten copies of this resolution
be printed in quarter sheet form and posted in the Village of Fairport and
vicinity." Any person or persons neglecting or refusing to comply with the
above resolution shall be liable, upon conviction, to a penalty of not less
than $5, nor more than $50. See section 18 of the by-law respecting Public
Health, chapter 38, R S O, 1887.
1891 - Feb. 6 - W. Morrish, Chas Burrell, J. Gellam and B. Pickett, fishermen at
Frenchman's Bay charged to appear before Squire Bunting on a charge of
Sabbath desecration. Complainant W.W. Sparks. Charge - lifting nets on
Sunday.
_ 1891 - July 17 - We are informed that the Toronto folk are commencing their usual
practice of holding Sunday picnics at Frenchman's Bay. Last Sabbath a
party came in a steam yacht and took possession of Mr. Smith's field and
indulged in baseball and other sports. Girls as well as boys were there.
Now this is something that must be stopped.
1891 - Dec. 25 - Frenchman's Bay Sabbath School Christmas Mountain will take place
Tuesday Evening Dec. 29. A good program will be presented. Collection
for the benefit of the school.
1892 - Jun 29 - William Allan, the coloured preacher of the Friend's Church at Pickering
Harbour for service in the afternoon at 3 p.m.
1893 - Oct. 20 - John Avis purchases the Whiteside property at Frenchman's Bay for a
park. Land bounded on North by Wharf Street and on the East by Queen
Street, now Liverpool Road.
1896 - Jan. 17 - Quite a number of our young people have been attending the meetings
held by Mr. Rogers under the Society of Friends at Fairport during the last
2 weeks.
1896 - Apr. 10 - Liverpool Post Office closed.
1896 - July 17 - Mrs. Sparks has built a 2-masted sailing yacht for C.H.C. Wright at
Pickering Harbour.
1896 - July 24 - Steamer "Columbia" will leave Pickering Harbour at 9 a.m. for Niagara
on Tues. July 28. "Columbia" carries 1200 people.
1896 - Nov. 27 - Robert Secker of Liverpool Market dies.
1897 - Mar. 12 - Capt. James Hilts of Fairport dies.
1897 - Aug. 20 - Residents of Fairport asking Pickering Township Council for a bridge to
the East Sandbar at the foot of Liverpool Road.
1897 - Sept. 3 - Jos Simons of Fairport had a large raising of a new barn last Friday.
1897 - Sept. 19 - The Rev. Mr. Griffon, a missionary from Jamaica will preach in the
Friend's Church, Pickering Harbour, next Sunday afternoon, Sept. 19.
Note: Pickering Harbour and Frenchman's Bay are the same body of
water.
Frenchman's Bay
1900 - 1950
1900 - Mar. 16 - Arthur Wiles the manager of the Crystal Ice Company of Fairport says
they intend to increase the size of the ice house for next year.
1900 - Nov. 25 - Gales collapsed the Lake Simcoe Ice House on Wed., Nov. 23rd.
1900- Crystal Ice Co. replaced by Canada Ice Company of 49 Esplanade St.
Toronto in December.
1901 - Mar. 8 - Canada Ice Company has built a new ice house 150-ft. lg, 120-ft. wd,
34-ft high. Building divided into four rooms each 30-ft. x 150-ft. and each
having its own roof. Capacity 13,000 tons. Built by Mr. Webb of
Toronto, foreman John Fuller.
1901 - June 21 - Petition of Thomas Mansfield of Fairport and 32 others asking assistance
in erecting a bridge at foot of Liverpool Road was presented to Pickering
Township Council.
1902 - Population of Pickering Township
1891 Census- 5998
1901 Census- 5225
— Ont. Sessional Papers 1902 —
1903 - The double track on the Grand Trunk Railroad which has occupied 5 years
building was completed Nov. 25.
1905 - July 21 - Mr. W.W. Sparks of Wharf St., Fairport located the dredge "Sir Wilfrid"
which sank in 1903 in a storm on Lake Ontario between Newcastle and
Port Hope. The dredge was located in 78-ft. of water, about 21/2-miles from
shore. Mr. Sparks was awarded the reward offered for locating it.
see also Snider XIII —
1906 - Feb. 16 - Ice cutting in full swing. Ice being stored at 200 to 300 tons per hour.
1908 - Aug. 7 - Toronto man drowned in Frenchman's Bay. The first drowning to have
occurred within the memory of the oldest inhabitant.
1909 - Feb. 8 - Township By -Law #927 to permit the Central Telephone Company to
operate a telephone system and to erect poles and string wires in the
Municipality of the Township of Pickering under Ontario Statutes 1906,
Chapter 34, Section 20.
1909 - May 3 - Similar to above for the Claremont and Ashburn Telephone Co.
1909 - Sept. 24 - Government agents looking at land S.W. of Dunbarton (W. side of the
Bay) as a site for a Central Prison.
1911 - Dec. 29 - Mr. W.W. Sparks of Wharf Street at the Bay elected Deputy -Reeve of
Pickering Township by acclamation.
1912 - Apr. 26 - Five new cottages being built at the Bay.
1915 - May 7 - The new elevator erected at the Bay for the storage of sand and gravel is
now being utilized. (This was erected on the North end of the East pier.)
1917 - Aug. 21 - Provincial Government to take over Kingston Road between Highland
Creek and Port Hope, approx. 52 miles.
1917 - Aug. 10 - Over 40 tents of campers on the West Beach.
1917 - W.W. Sparks killed on Grand Trunk Railway at Pickering Station.
1918 - May 31 - Over 100 cars here (Frenchman's Bay) on the 24th weekend.
1919 - Nov. 8 - Speight and Von Nostrand survey - Plan showing subdivision of Parts of
Lots 22 & 23, Range III B.F. Concession (West end of Bayview and
Browning Street, Fairport).
1920 - Society of Friends sell cemetery and church on Liverpool Road, Fairport,
to Dunbarton United Church.
1920 - July 16 - Fairport. Sunday, July 18th, promises to be a day of unique interest to
the people of Fairport, better known as Frenchman's Bay. At the northern
entrance of this popular and beautiful summering place there is situated a
little frame church which was built by a body which is designated by the
suggestive name, Christian Workers. Later the building was taken over by
the Society of Friends. During the palmy days of Pickering College regular
services were conducted and many citizens of the vicinity remember with
gratitude the thriving S. S. which helped to impress many with the simple
piety of the Friends which has left an indelible mark upon the township of
Pickering. For upwards of 10 years the church has been closed. Owing to
its fast increasing population each summer a desire has ripened into action
to have some form of religious services during the summer months. Some
months ago the Presbytery of Whitby instructed the Session of Dunbarton
Presbyterian church to look into the situation that something might be
done for the spiritual interests of the people here. Consequently the Session
thought it advisable as a beginning to purchase the church from the Society
of Friends, which was done. During the last few weeks the building has
been undergoing much needed repairs and the re -opening service will be
conducted July 18th, at 3 o'clock. The occasion will be one of historic
interest to many, when it is remembered that this was one of the first points
where the Gospel was preached in Upper Canada. Fairport was once the
site of a prosperous Indian village called Gandatsetiagon. The Senecas, one
of the Five Nations, then so numerous on the south side of the lake seem
to have made a permanent home here attracted by the game and fish which
were obtainable in such abundance. In 1669 M. Fenelon, of the Sulpician
Order came as missionary and spent the severe winter of 1669-70. Through
his labors and others succeeding him many of the Indians came under the
power of Christianity. Seventeen years later, it is recorded that when the
Marquis do Denonville was returning from a campaign south of the lake
he was entertained with lavish hospitality by the Christian Indians of this
place. So once again the Torch is to be taken up and the Trumpet Call of
Gospel Truth will be heard. A splendid spirit of co-operation and active
support has been manifested by the residents. The public is invited to the
opening service which will be conducted by the pastor of Dunbarton
church. To help defray expenses for repairs already done and further
repairs contemplated, there will be a special offering. Come and help along
a good work.
1921 - Sept. 9 - Letters to the Editor. Sir - On August 27th a meeting of the property
owners of Fairport was called by the reeve of the township, Mr. F. H.
Richardson, for the purpose of discussing matters of interest to the village
and also to the township. During his address he referred to the immense
benefit which would be derived from the Hydro railway to Toronto, and
the lighting of the towns and villages by electricity. He suggested that some
kind of organization be formed. His suggestion was promptly accepted and
officers were elected as follows: Hon. President - F. H. Richardson, Pres. -
T. Mansfield sr., Sec'y - A. Clatworthy, Treas. - W. G. Jackson. The
organization is to be known as The Ratepayers' Association of Fairport.
Fourteen members were enrolled as members at this meeting. The second
meeting was held on Sept. 3rd, when an executive Committee was
appointed to draw up the necessary constitution and by-laws. Auditors
were also appointed, and it is expected that the organization will be in good
running order before the season closes. The membership roll is now 42,
with good prospects of increasing that number. All property owners who
have not already signed are invited to do so at our next meeting on
Saturday, Sept. loth.
A. Clatworthy, Secretary
1921 - Oct. 7 - A communication was read from the Ratepayers' Association of Fairport asking
the council to open up the registered streets which are now closed in by private
individuals. A large delegation representing the Ratepayers' Association also
appeared before the council and pressed their claims. Many matters required re-
adjustment, especially that in regard to the streets. As Fairport is now entering an
era of rapid development this is the time to adjust matters to prevent future
trouble. The reeve replied that the council had already taken the necessary legal
steps to have the said streets opened.
1922 - Village of Fairport re -surveyed by Morton Gibson.
1923 - May 19 - Judge McGillvary holds court at the West end of Waterpoint (formerly
Lakeview) re O'Brien vs. Mansfield.
1924 - Oct. - Pickering Council passed a By -Law authorizing the mailing of taxes in the
Township instead of calling on the person taxed.
1926 - Hydro turned on in Pickering Village for the first time on Wednesday January 13.
P.N. Jan. 15
1926 - May 14 - The Glen Avis Pavilion at Frenchman's Bay will be formally opened on Saturday,
May 22nd.
1927 - July 22 - Fairport. We regret to report that Jas. S. Hadley, one of our eldest and most
esteemed residents is on the sick list. We understand that Thos. Mansfield who,
for over 60 years, has conducted business here, has disposed of his business and
intends to take a well-earned rest. After about ten years consistent battle with all
kinds of opposition, Fairport homes were electrically lighted on Saturday evening
which, needless to say, is greatly appreciated by the store -keepers and house-
wives. Harold Johnstone who had the misfortune to lose his right hand while
engaged with the pile driving gang here on the new bridge at the foot of the Bay
Road, has returned home from the hospital. The sympathy of the community is
extended to him in his misfortune. Base line (No. 2) school trustees are having an
addition built to the school, to accommodate a new furnace, cloak rooms, toilets
and domestic science room. We must acknowledge that our trustees are up-to-
date in their ideas and that is an essential point in the making of a good trustee.
1927 - July 22 - Fairport. Arrangements for the big annual field day of the Fairport Ratepayers'
Association (Frenchman's Bay) were completed at a meeting of the association,
and Monday, Aug. 1 st (Civic Holiday) was named as the day. No expense is to be
spared towards making this a bigger and better day than the one last year which
was considered a banner year in the history of the association. Sports will be held
in T. G. Mansfield's grounds Parking accommodation has been arranged for
motorists. A complete program of aquatic and field sports has been drafted. In
addition to this a baseball game will be played. The officers for 1927 were duly
elected as follows: President, Dave Corbet, sr.; Vice-Pres., Charlie Williams;
Secretary -Treasurer, Jack Broadfoot.
1928 - Mar. 9 - Great summer resort project is underway for Frenchman's Bay. This was a
headline in the Toronto Daily Star, Friday, March 9 h. A fine bridge had been
constructed at the foot of Liverpool Road to the beach in the winter of 28-29.
Dredging was carried out on the inner or north side of the East beach from the
piers eastward, past Liverpool, past the old natural outlet of the Bay and where the
Hydro Plant is today. A pumping station and water tower were constructed just
west of Liverpool Road. Both the East and West piers were re -built and cottages
built both East and West of Liverpool Road. The land bounded roughly by
Liverpool, Bayly, St. Martins and Radom Streets became a golf course with a
clubhouse in the vicinity of Radom and Liverpool. This huge project created a lot
of work for men in the Frenchman's Bay area.
1929 - Gray Coach running buses between Toronto and Oshawa.
1930 - Aug. 15 - The Frenchman's Bay Community Association request the placing of life
saving equipment on and around the wooden bridge at the Bay.
1930 - July - Daily Coach Service between Pickering and Toronto by Gray Coach Lines -
Fare 50 cents.
1932 - Dec. 9 - Col. Anderson of Toronto interviewed the Pickering Township Council re: a
subdivision on the West side of Frenchman's Bay.
1933 - Mar. 3 - Fairport Beach. It is reported that construction work will commence in the
early spring on the new development on the Ryan property at the West side of the
Bay. Two years ago an extensive program was planned for this location, but
actual construction has not yet started. Local residents will be interested in the
matter of rights and privileges, on the Lake Shore that is being discussed in many
quarters, following the declaration by the promoters to the affect that they will
prohibit admission of any but property owners on this beach.
1933 - Apr. 7 - The Real Estate development at the Bay, known as the "Dunbarton Shores,"
is, if carried out as now proposed, to become the greatest enterprise yet
undertaken in this township. The west and north shores of the Bay comprise the
territory under development. Two hundred dwellings are expected to be erected
this summer, and the marsh at the north end to be dredged and filled and a huge
pier erected to run from the Club House, which will stand at the north side of the
Bay.
1933 - May 5 - Pierson Westgate applied for approval of certain subdivision plans at the North
side of Frenchman's Bay.
1933 - Aug. 18 - Bay Citizens Demand Action From Council Following Attitude of Col.
Anderson of Dunbarton Shores towards Lifelong Residents and Cottagers. A
deputation of approximately 200 of the Bay citizens appealed to the Council on
Tuesday evening for relief in the matter of bathing beach accommodation. E.P.
Blenkarn, of Toronto, a property owner at the Bay and President of the
Association first addressed the council informing them that their property values
and personal privileges had been seriously curtailed by the action of Col.
Anderson, of the Dunbarton Shores Ltd. in closing the sand bar to the west of the
gap to the public. He disputed Col. Anderson's claim to ownership of the road
allowance between lots 24 and 25 on the beach on this bar. He presented his facts
in a clear, concise manner, confirming that the children of families at the Bay were
now without beach and bathing privileges. He referred to the purchase of the three
lots nearest the gap by Col. Marshall at $3,000 and questioned the purchase as
bona fide. The Reeve replied stating facts derived in an interview with Anderson,
who claimed to have all necessary papers, deeds etc., to claim ownership of the
whole of the sand bar, also that the sale to Anderson was bona fide. The sanity of
any person purchasing such lots for the purpose of erecting residences was
questioned by Blenkarn who claimed that there was always the possibility of the
bar being washed into the lake. By clever presentation of the case the council were
placed in the position of having to give consideration to their problems, a demand
being made for legal search and advice as to the ownership of this Bay Front
Beach, to which the council acceded by motion ordering such investigation. The
reeve questioned the advisability of such procedure, as it was felt that there was
no question as to the validity of Anderson's claims. Crown grants, Crown patents
dating back to the late years of the 17' century were revived and discussed,
information obtained from delving into registry offices, etc., was presented and
various real estate transactions from this period on were discussed. The Pres.
pointed out the advisability of giving more consideration to the average citizen and
less to the millionaire class, as were the Dunbarton Shores inhabitants being
classed. A feature which today should be considered more than any time in the
past. The council were at the conclusion given a hearty vote of thanks for the
manner in which they had been received and was replied to by the Reeve, E.L.
Chapman, who assured the Association of their interest, sympathy and assurance
of the desire of the council to give serious consideration to their problem.
1933 - Sept. 8 - Bay Ratepayers' Association Convinced Council their Claims to Beaches
Reasonable. To get immediate Action. The Ratepayers' Association of the Bay
made their second trip to the council meeting on Tuesday night, armed with copies
of Solicitor Beaton's report on his findings since the last meeting. Beaton's report
was far from encouraging, and Messrs Blenkam and Jay proceeded to dispute and
criticise his arguments, and were, in the minds of those present, including most of
the Council, successful. They are ready (and appear to be sure of it), to substitute
for any of the arguments in the Beaton report. According to the Association and
Township Council of 1914 or the Provincial or Federal Governments over -stepped
the mark in giving away to the Osler Estate, the 66 foot road allowance on the
West sand -bar at the Bay, now claimed by the Anderson Interests, namely,
Dunbarton Shores Ltd., who also claim the ownership of the beach, water -rights,
and in fact all the territory where local families have trodden, fished and swam for
generations, but who are now refused permission to place a foot on any of it.
According to the speakers for the Association, (who evidently have been very
active during the past month,) in the various Registry Offices, Queen's Park and
Ottawa, not a suggestion is recorded of this road allowance belonging to any other
than Pickering Township, and they will use these facts in their warfare against Big
Interests in their effort to establish some semblance of freedom and rights for the
small property owner and the public, who at present have no access to beautiful
old Lake Ontario than over a rough rocky sixty-six foot piece of beach at the end
of the Bay road.
1933 - Sept. 22 - A 27 year old artist, Martin Flowersmith, who sailed from Frenchman's Bay
for Toronto in a bad storm was found at the foot of Woodbine Ave. in Toronto.
He had lashed himself to the sailboat he was in before it overturned.
1934 - Nov. 2 - A duck hunter from Toronto drowned in Frenchman's Bay.
1935 - Apr. 26 - On Sunday the 21"fire destroyed the home of W.H. Moore, M.P. for this area.
The home was located on the lakeshore just west of Petit Cote Creek.
1935 -July 19 - A large truck owned by Orange Crush of Toronto broke through the wooden
bridge at the foot of Liverpool Rd. The rear wheels caught on a large beam and
the truck did not go into the water.
193 8 - July 22 - Louis Woodrow of Toronto drowned in Frenchman's Bay on Friday night. He
apparently slipped off his sailing bot in the dark.
1938 - Aug. 5 - About 1000 people attended the Civic Holiday Field and Aquatic Sports at
Fairport.
1942 - Mar. 13 - Over 100 people ice fishing on Frenchman's Bay.
1942 - Nov. 6 - A cottage belonging to Mr. Royal entirely destroyed by fire.
1945 - Dec. 7 - Three Toronto duck hunters nearly drowned in Frenchman's Bay when their
boat capsized. They managed to reach shore and were picked up by Chief Irvine
and taken to Jack McGlashan's garage to warm up.
1946 - May - A hotel and 58 small cabins to accommodate 174 guests, plus dormitories, will
be erected over 16 acres on the Frenchman's Bay Road, on the west side between
No. 2 Highway and the new Highway, to be ready for operation by August of this
year. At a special meeting of the Township Council on Monday of this week Mr.
L.W. Jones, representing a chartered company outlined to the Council the
proposed plan. The hotel will operate twelve months of the year, catering to
tourists, summer and winter fishing and sports at the Bay. The new hotel will
employ about forty persons.
1946 - Aug. 30 - Closing of Gap At The Bay Alarming Residents. During the last winter and
early spring, the gap leading into Frenchman's Bay had been filling in with gravel
and sand until today, there is a sandbar across that gap higher than the old piers
that provided the gap. At the extreme west side, a small opening has been
maintained by members of the yacht club to provide an entrance or opening to the
lake. They are having to keep at this continuously to keep it open. This is the first
time in twenty-eight years that this harbor has been closed in this manner, and since
the Bay ceases to be recognized as a commercial port, we doubt whether the
Government can be persuaded to take an interest in the matter to the extent of
dredging. We doubt that even the residence of two or three commercial fishermen,
who are now prevented from carrying on their regular occupation, will be
sufficient. The closing of the bay will result in stagnant water and the resultant
threat to heath for those living nearby, let alone the disappointment experienced
by the owners of the forty or fifty small craft harbored at the bay.
See also the Evening Telegram of Tuesday, August 20, 1946
1948 - June 18 - The Foundation Company had 3 barges and a tug in the Bay. They are
working in the lake at Port Union for the John's Manville Co.
1948 - Dec. 3 - Young Women of Frenchman's Bay Organize. The first meeting of the newly
formed Young Women's Club of Frenchman's Bay was held at the home of Mrs.
Dave (Marion) O'Brien on the evening of November 16. The group is to be
affiliated with Fairport United Church and will have as its objective, the erection
of a Sunday School building to be attached to Fairport Church. The following
officers were elected: President, Mrs. Marion O'Brien; Secretary, Mrs. Betty
Taylor; Treasurer, Mrs. Dorothy Wells. Present at the meeting were: Mrs. Joan
Avis; Mrs. Irene Plitz; Mrs. Kay Fertile; Miss Ann Henderson; Mrs. Norma
Ashworth; Mrs. Dorothy Wells; Mrs. Eileen Fertile; Mrs. Marion O'Brien; Mrs.
Lois Fertile; Mrs. Ivey Skitch; Mrs. Velma Williamson; Mrs. Betty Turner; Mrs.
Betty Taylor.
1949 - July 8 - Township Council meeting ofJuly 4 Messrs. Regan, Murison and Woods from
the "sand bar" at the Bay, asked the Council to pave an additional 200 yds. Of the
Bay Road, bringing the new surfacing closer to the Lake. This section not in the
estimates for 1949.
1949 - Nov. 19 - Mansfield's fishing boat was badly damaged on the rocks of the piers while
entering the harbour.
1949 - Nov. 23 - The fishing boat suffered further damage and sunk.
1950 - Mar. 27 - The local Hydro system was changed to 60-cycle from 25-cycle.
1950 - July 28 - Bay Association to Hold Two Big Events During August. Fairport Ratepayers
and Community Association Frenchman's Bay are holding two events, in the near
future - on August 7, a Big Sports Day, and on the 27', a Carnival. The
Community of Frenchman's Bay has developed tremendously during the past few
years, to that point where many of our own citizens who have not been down there
for years will have a surprise in store should they do so today. We recall those
not -too -far -back days when some half dozen families constituted the winter, or
year-round population, but we understand that today there is something in the
neighbourhood of fifty of the new homes occupied the year round. New activities
of one kind and another, usually found with a growing community are in operation,
with others being planned when funds are available. Many contributions have been
received from firms interested in and sympathetic with the Bay activities and the
"Tuesday Night Club" of young ladies have made a substantial cash donation.
These two coming events will help provide funds to carry on the work expected
of a community welfare organization in such a growing community, and will no
doubt have the whole -hearted support of the Bay people and many outside of the
area. Note the dates - August 7 and 27. Further details coming later.
1950 -Nov. 25 - The foundations of four houses on the East Beach were badly damaged during
a gale from the East.
1951 -Feb. 16 - On Sunday, Feb. 18, the new addition to Fairport United Church on Liverpool
Road will be opened. The hall built by funds raised almost by dollar by dollar, will
be appreciated by the Bay residents, of which there are a great many more than
there were only a few years ago. Services are being held at 8:00 and 7:00 and the
ladies are providing a buffet lunch late in the afternoon for those who may come
for the first service and desire to stay for the evening. Rev. A.F. Binnington,
M.A., B.D., S.M.T., will be the special speaker.
1951 - Mar. 9 - After 34 years of practising medicine in Pickering, Dr. V.E. Cartwright has
sold his practice to Dr. Wm. Tomlinson. He was the "family doctor" to many
people over the years at Fairport.
1951 - June 1 - Mr. Murkar of the Pickering News lays the cornerstone for the new Bay Road
School.
1952 -Feb. 11 - The Tee -Pee Motel on the Liverpool Road was gutted by fire. (It was on the
West side of Liverpool Road between 401 and No. 2 Highways)
1952 - Mar. 7 - Fairport Ratepayers' Association requesting at Township's Council Meeting
of Feb. 20 that:
a) School signs north and south of the new school on the Bay Road
b) 30-mile speed limit from railway bridge south
c) Further 30-mile signs in the densely populated areas at the Bay
1953 - Apr. 29 - Mr. and Mrs. Richard Reid back at the Bay for the summer at their home on
Pleasant Street. Mr. Reid is 91-years old and Mrs. Reid is 90-years old.
1953 - Sept. 4 - Dr. Frederick Hertzberg set up practice in Dunbarton. He would become the
family doctor for many Fairport residents.
1954 - Jan. 29 - Frenchman's Bay Ratepayers' Association are sponsoring a petition for street
lighting at the Bay and the petition is at the Post Office for anyone to sign.
1954 - May 7 - Two new streets, Douglas Drive and Old Orchard taken over by Pickering
Township.
1954 - June 26 - S.S. #2 at the Base Line and Brock Road celebrated its 100 year of
educational service to the community. After weeks of hard work and planning, all
those connected with the Base Line School Centennial last Saturday, felt it was a
big success. Many persons attended from far and near, and many of the old pupils
of the past years had an enjoyable day talking over old times.
During the morning the present-day pupils enjoyed races and a ball game. In
the afternoon the Official Opening was held with Mr. Wm. McKay acting as
Chairman. Guest speaker was the well-known writer, Gregory Clark, who was
introduced by W.C. Murkar, editor of the Pickering News, a paper which
Mr. Clark's later father edited many years ago.
Mr. Clark, in his own unlimitable, enjoyable style, told the story of his great
grandfather Wm. Gregg giving this site for the school, although he believed there
was possibly a dollar or two in it somewhere for his great grand -parent. He told
an interesting story of his aunts and uncles who lived in the area at one time; how
they moved to Iowa and then came back again to settle here.
Following Mr. Clark, the chairman then introduced those on the platform.
Among them: Michael Starr, M.P., Thomas D. Thomas, M.P.P., the current
School Principal, Mrs. Theordora Hartford and teacher, Mrs. Hugh Squires;
School Inspector A. Archibald, and former Inspector R.H. Hutchinson; Board
Chairman, Wm. Fertile; Reeve Geo. Todd; Home and School President, Mrs.
Doris Olipbant; Dr. R.M. Stewart, Markham, a former teacher at this school from
1897-1900, and others.
Reeve Todd raised the flag in the dedication - a flag presented by the trustees
of the school. The school pupils sang a hymn, closing this section of the program.
The twelve curtains in two classrooms were presented by the school board.
During the afternoon there were movies for the children while most of the
grown-ups visited.
In the evening a variety program was given, including local talent, with Mrs.
Marion McClement as soloist; Grade 2 and 3 Rythymn Band; a solo by Mr. Chris
Fair and musical numbers by Blaine and Lois Davidson. Following fireworks, a
dance was held with music by the Bath family.
The prize for "the oldest pupil attending" went to Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson
92 of Toronto and to the oldest gentleman Harry Lawson.
"Our Teacher Came Back"
We have just learned that among the guests at the recent Centennial
Celebration at S. S. No. 2 School, was a former teacher, Miss Helen Kime, who
taught at this school for something around twenty years, and that of a class of one
year of twenty-seven pupils, twenty-four were on hand to greet their teacher of a
few years back - something of an accomplishment by former pupils, and we take
from this that these same pupils thought a great deal of their teacher.
1954 - Oct. 15-16 Hurricane Hazel
Oct. 15 (Saturday) Rained most of the day, wind from the East changing to
SW gales about 23.30 hrs. Barometer 28.5. Hydro off at 2300 hrs as H.T. line
over the Rouge River swept away.
- Oct. 16 (Sunday) Clearing, strong westerly wind. Barometer 29.4. Hydro
back on about 1500 hrs.
Rainfall for Oct. 15 & 16 in a 48-hour period at Toronto was 4.0 inches
Rainfall for Oct. 1954 - 6.10 inches
Wind for Oct. 15 at Malton: 23.40 hrs - 58 mph - W
Gust to 78 mph - WSW
Oct. 16 at Malton: 0100 hrs - 54 mph - W
"No other storm challenges the Oct. 15-16 storm as the heaviest general rain storm
ever recorded in Southern Ontario"'
'The Oct. 15-16 Storm in Ontario by Mason, Thomas and Boyd. Dept. of Transport CIR-2606
The Storm's Over, But Not Forgotten
Several times this week, local residents
have remarked, with reference to the "Hazel's"
blow last week -end, that Pickering Township
people get off lucky when disasters strike this
Province.
The force of Hazel and the accompanying
rain was felt here however, one of the worst
hit was Albert Ackford of Pickering Village.
His home and service station was flooded out
on Friday night and burned out on Sunday.
Hydro was off all over the township and
many phone lines were down. Firemen, police
and local residents rescued several families on
the west side of the Rouge River. Vern
Disney saved several when the boat they were
in capsized. Men were standing by to help
those in the Calvert property, west of the
village, and also at Riverside Drive.
The approach to the Whitevale bridge
went out and it had to be closed. Twp. Road
Supt. Roy Ward said that the township got off
with a minimum of trouble as regards
washouts and road troubles.
One local resident, David Callaghan Sr., of
the C.N.R., and living on the Bay Road, was
on the C.N. train that was derailed near
Markham. He escaped by climbing through a
coach window.
Traffic was re-routed from No. 2 Highway
at Pickering to 401 when Duffins Creek
overflowed. Local tow trucks were kept busy
until motorists quit trying to cross the flooded
areas.
Homes east of Claremont were without
power until Monday morning, and tree damage
there caused most of the trouble.
On the whole, Pickering residents got off
lightly, certainly in view of what took place in
other nearby areas.
Ajax Lumber is reported to have lost
several thousand dollars worth of lumber from
their plant on the Station Road, and Gary
Bekkevoid also losing a considerable quantity
from his quarters, south of the Ajax Lumber.
Fire Chief Don Lynde of Dunbarton
expresses his thanks to Vernon Disney and
Fred Stork for their valuable assistance in the
Rouge Valley.
1954 - Oct. 31 - Two fishermen drowned in Frenchman's Bay.
1956 - July 20 - As the shrill notes of the bagpipes floated out across the water from the Dowty
Pipe Band, of Ajax, a crowd gathered by the docks of Fred Scott's boat livery on
Saturday afternoon to witness the presentation of the charter to the Frenchman's
Bay Power Squadron.
In an impressive ceremony, Vice -Commander of the Canadian Power
Squadron, Gordon Proctor, of Toronto, presented the charter to Commander
James H. Moore, of the Bay Squadron.
Vice -Commander Proctor told the gathering that the purpose of the "power
squadron" was to teach the safety rules of boating, how to mark buoys and some
knowledge of navigation. He extended best wishes to the new Group and wished
them luck in their work.
Commander Moore, in accepting the charter, thanked the officers of the
Canadian Power Squadron for the help and assistance they had given during the
past. He also thanked members of the Toronto Harbour Police, who were on hand
for the presentation and later gave a demonstration in life-saving, and rope -
handling. He introduced the twelve members of the local squadron and presented
them with the squadron pennant.
Officers of the Frenchman's Bay Power Squadron are: Commander James H.
Moore; Lieut-Com., George Rhoda; 1 st Lieut., Harold Cooper; Secretary, Alfred
Adams, and Treas., Gordon Gilchrist. Both of the latter men have boats at the Bay
and are from Ajax. They have both taken an active interest in the forming of the
power squadron.
1957 - Mar. 8 - Dr. V.E. Cartwright died Mar. 4. He was the family physician for so many
in this district for so many years.
1958 - Apr. 25 - The County Road Department will begin work shortly on a new bridge on
Liverpool Road South where it crosses Frenchman's Bay to the beach.
1958 - Sept. 14 - Mr. James McKean took over the Scott Boat Livery here at Frenchman's Bay
on Aug. 1 st.
1959 - Mar. 20 - Many residents ofDunbarton received expropriation notices from the C.N.R.
regarding the new rail line which will cut the village in half.
1959 - May 22 - A former resident of the Bay, Tony Alloway, 21 of Toronto drowned here
Monday evening May 18.
1959 -Aug. 14 - The Ontario Highways Department will construct a service road from the west
end of the present Base Line (Bayly St.) at Dixie Road to Fairport Beach Road
(new Westshore). When this is completed both Dixie Road and Fairport Road will
be closed at Highway 401.
1959- Aug. 14 - Mr. Henry Moore of Dunbarton received a go-ahead signal on his proposed
marina at Frenchman's Bay from Pickering Township Council.
1959 - Aug. 28 - Form Yacht Club at Bay
Twenty-four people attended the meeting on Sunday evening at J.H. Moore's
Marina to discuss formation of a yacht club at Frenchman's Bay.
Three executives from the Bay Yacht Club which has been inactive for eight
years were present. They were Tommy Tomblin, Herb Usher and Eric Playford.
Also Clare Skitch a past member.
These men felt the previous members would have no objection to the new club
using the name Frenchman's Bay Yacht Club.
A five man steering committee was nominated to contact the old members for
this permission. The committee consists oftwo sailing members, three power boat
members and one previous member. They are John Herda, Brian East, Alf Adams,
Irving Gill and Clare Skitch.
Some of the younger members are interested in building a class of sail boat
that can be used in competition. Anyone interested in joining may contact any of
the above mentioned men.
Henry Moore has offered his house for club meetings. The next meeting is
expected to take place in about three weeks.
1959 - Oct. 2 - The biggest development move in the history of Pickering Township as far as
taxpayers are concerned was made at a special meeting of Council last Friday night
when it was announced that Crusader Development Corporation Ltd., who plan
a 2600 housing unit development at Frenchman's Bay, will underwrite the costs
of a complete water and sewage plant.
1959 - Oct. 16 - The discharge of firearms is prohibited at Dunbarton Shores, Fairport
(Frenchman's Bay) and Fairport Beach.
1959 -Nov. 6 - Crusader Development Corporation who proposed a 3,000 home development
on 680 acres in the Frenchman's Bay area have sold their rights and holding to
Resources Land Co -Operative Corporation, a land -holding Company, which is the
subsidiary of Consolidated Building Corporation, one of the largest companies of
its kind in Canada.
Pickering Township council passed a bylaw this week consenting to the
assigning of the present Crusader agreement to the new firm. The agreement will
now be guaranteed by three firms instead of just one. It is the feeling of council
members that the former agreement is greatly strengthened by this move and that
at a time when money is tight, indicates that the plans will go ahead.
Tight money was given as the reason for Crusader selling their interests. The
agreement first signed on April 27, 1959 was amended in September when the
developing firm agreed to install both the water and sewage plants. This
agreement of course, still holds.
1959 - Nov. 6 - Brougham, Ont. - Geographical Centre of Pickering Township, this village on
No. 7 Highway, 25 miles east of Toronto, has been selected as the site of a
Museum to house furnishings, tools, implements, written documents and other data
dating back to 3000 years before Christ.
The Museum, sponsored by Pickering Township Historical Society, will be
financed by a drive for funds starting about November 15, with $10,000 as the
initial target.
Already, the society has purchased two school buildings, both more than one
hundred years old, and a log cabin reputed to be one of the earliest buildings in
Scarborough Township, and is moving them to the site selected at Brougham.
Other buildings have been promised. Some assistance will be given by the Ontario
Government, and it is planned to open the Museum at least 120 days a year -
probably during the tourist season, when the buildings are expected to stop many
travellers on nearby No. 7 Highway.
The Historical Society claims Pickering is one of the oldest settled areas in
Ontario, if not in Canada. It has already been promised an exhibit of early
Laurentian period tools found at nearby Pickering Beach, these dating back to
3000 B.C. In addition, the Royal Ontario Museum is to be asked for artifacts and
other objects found on the Miller site - an Indian burial ground now being
excavated by the Royal Ontario Museum under noted archaeologist, Walter
Kenyon.
The Historical Society was formed a few months ago, sparked by the
Brougham School Centennial Celebrations of last summer, when Robert Miller, of
Brougham, gathered together a display of early township relics. These are
available as the nucleus of the Museum collection. First task of the Society was
the creation of the permanent museum, which is expected to be open for at least
120 days a year and to provide an added tourist attraction.
Purchase of land and buildings, with cost of moving and renovation, is
estimated at more than $6500, according to officials of the Society which is headed
by Wm. G. Lawson, former Reeve of Pickering Township. Some of the buildings
had to be partly dismantled in order to move them over the highway system, but
much of the renovation work will be performed by volunteer labour at a series of
building bees to be held in the spring.
"We believe the Museum will fill a great need in teaching our children how
their forefathers lived in this area, and in preserving some of the priceless articles
which otherwise would be lost to the township", said Mr. Lawson, pointing out
that in recent years "antique collectors" had been denuding the area of historical
valuables which are now "gone beyond recall." There are still, however, examples
of early Ontario tools, implements and furniture in attics and barns of older
residents of the township which will be available for viewing.
Nov. 4, 1960 - New homes in Bay Ridges; On a house assessed at $3,844.00 the taxes will be
$338.00.
Dec. 23, 1960 - The first residents of Bay Ridges on Feb 1 will be on temporary water and
sewage.
Jan. 1961 - Ice fishing at the Bay now well under way. For the first time, fishing huts can
now be rented; seven being owned by Wm. Newman.
Jan. 20, 1961 - Car, Boy, Girl All Fall Into Bay
One car, one boy and one girl went through the ice at different times over the
week end.
On Sunday dozens of cars and many more people were seen dotting the ice.
Fishing has been reported good and many children of the district have been skating
on the Bay.
Gerald Olford of Toronto went through the ice near the channel on Saturday
morning into 5 feet of water. He forced the car door open, walked chest deep to
the edge of the ice and pulled himself out. The car was towed out later in the
afternoon. He had been fishing with his brother and a friend and had left them to
go down to the east end of the Bay when he went through the ice. It was his first
trip to the Bay.
The girl, unidentified, went through the ice up to her neck and a boy also went
through.
Police are warning motorists to keep their cars off the ice. It is not safe enough
yet for this.
Feb. 10, 1961 - Fr. Bay Ratepayers Voice Objections.
Wm. Fertile, president of Frenchman's Bay Ratepayer's Association, appeared
before township council this week on behalf of the residents.
Mr. Fertile said that a number of homes on the east side of Bay Road had
suddenly lost their water supply and they had been told that it was because of the
new storm sewer being installed by the Bay Ridges subdivider. He said Water
Resources had made a survey and came up with this answer.
Reeve Sherman Scott said he would take the matter up with the township
solicitors.
Mr. Fertile said they had also been told that there would be a large open pit
or tank for sewage at the foot of Bay Road. He said this open pit is to be
chlorinated. This situation would be the first phase of the proposed sewage system
until the outfall is ready. Mr. Fertile said that Dr. Berry's office told him, they have
not yet approved this scheme and the association have written a letter to Water
Resources objecting to this plan.
Mr. Fertile said that residents are objecting to the location of the new
proposed school at Bay Ridges. He said that a few years ago, they gave in to
locating the present Bay Road school where it is, instead of just north of Fairport
Church.
"if our children are going to have to walk to this location, we will fight it" Mr.
Fertile said. "We of the Bay are the older established residents and shouldn't have
to take a back seat to people moving out from the city. We don't feel our children
should have to walk any further.
Feb. 24, 1961 - Suggest Path For Hydro Lines
For many months, Pickering Township Planning Board has been studying and
reviewing proposed routes for hydro lines that will run from the new hydro station
on the lakefront to the station at Cherrywood.
Altogether, about ten routes have been considered and rejected for one reason
and another.
It was finally agreed at a meeting last Friday night to recommend the route that
would run west from the station and north along the edge of the east side of
Frenchman's Bay and then north to the Cherrywood station.
It was pointed out that this route is the shortest between the two points and
the most economical.
May 15, 1961 - Notice to Mariners - On or Before June 1, 1961. A Tri-Coloured Directional
Range Light will be established on the West end of the East Bar - Frenchman's
Bay, 25-ft above the high water, in position
Lat 430 48' 48" N
Long 79° 05' 09" W
June 29, 1961 - A special service was held at Fairport United Church on Sunday morning at
which a communion Bread Plate and Cover were dedicated to the Church in
memory of Mrs. Marjorie Scott. Dr. Wm. MacKay conducted the service and the
gift was from Mrs. Scott's friends and neighbours at the Bay.
Aug. 10, 1961 - The "Pickering Story" now on sale for $4.00 per copy.
Sept. 28, 1961 - The extension of the Base Line is now open to Fairport Road.
Dec. 21, 1961 - Construction started on the "I.G.A." plaza at Bayly and St. Martin's.
June 21, 1962 - Fish Dying In Bay Angers Residents.
Believe Weed Control Killing Fish At Frenchman's Bay.
Residents, fishermen and the local game wardens are angered this week about
the number of dead fish being found on Frenchman's Bay.
It is claimed that these fish, some of them quite large, are dying as a result of
test patterns being dropped in the water in an effort to control the weed growth in
the Bay.
According to the News' informant, permission has to be granted by the
government before any such test pattern is dropped. This solution, as in the case
at the Bay, can coat the gills of the fish and they suffocate.
We were informed also, that a call to the Parliament Buildings disclosed that
permission for one drop only, had been granted, and that because of the dead fish,
no more would be granted.
Such is the ire of the residents of the Bay about the matter, that unless it is
stopped at once they will endeavour to take further action.
Sept. 20, 1962 - Erect Cairn To First Brougham Post Office
A cairn has been erected on the site of Brougham's first post office by Mr.
John Devitt.
Brougham was known as Bentley's Corners, and the time was then about
1835.
The site of this early post office is located on the farm of Mrs. John Soden,
east of the Village of Brougham.
Oct. 4, 1962 - New C.N.R. By -Pass will be ready by 1965
Dec. 20, 1962 - Bay Ridges Drive -In Theatre opens Dec 21
Feb. 7, 1963 - Peace Lutheran Church on Liverpool road dedicated
March 16, 1964 - A 1830 flat-bed printing press was donated to the Metro Toronto Region
Conservation Authority by the publishers of the Pickering News, Mr. W. B.
Murkar.
April 9, 1964 - Frenchman's Bay Yacht Club Wants Channel Entrance Dredged
Members of the Frenchman's Bay Yacht Club will submit a brief to the federal
government requesting that they dredge and repair the channel to Frenchman's
Bay.
The channel was last dredged in 1959 and it is estimated that within a few
weeks a person will be able to walk across the channel in rubber boots. There is
a depth of only 18 inches in the channel now.
Ronald Playford, secretary of the Club told the News this week that unless
something is done soon, over 100 boats will have to be trucked across the sandbar
into Lake Ontario.
He said they estimated that about 500 boats a week use the Bay during the
summer. Traffic has greatly increased within the past few years.
The Club now has 82 paid up members. Besides this there are two marinas and
two boat liveries besides all the privately moored boats.
Mr. Playford said that, the government wrote them a letter last Fall and stated
there was not enough money for the project, but they would go ahead with the job,
if the yacht club was willing to pay half the cost. He said the club could not afford
such a cost.
Mr. Playford said that Frenchman's Bay is the only harbour between Toronto
and Oshawa for small boats.
Aug. 27, 1964 - Nuclear Hydro Plant
It was announced last week by Premiere John Robarts and W. Ross Strike,
Chairman of Ontario Hydro that a cost -sharing agreement had been reached
between the Ontario Hydro and the Federal government for construction of a
1,000,000 kilowatt nuclear electric power station, and they will make application
to locate it on the 150 acres now owned by the Ontario Hydro on the east side of
Frenchman's Bay.
The new plant is to cost an estimated $266 million and about two-thirds of this
cost is to be paid by the Ontario government.
The first of two 500,000 kilowatt units is scheduled for operation by 1970,
Mr. Strike said.
"This project is the largest nuclear power station now planned anywhere in the
world. The Ontario plant will be powered by a reactor conceived, designed,
engineered and built by Canadians. The production of electricity using natural
uranium, a mineral which Ontario possesses in abundance will be a welcome
addition to the energy resources of our province", Mr. Robarts said.
He added that the advent of nuclear power in Ontario may be compared to the
discovery of a dozen Niagaras.
"The location of a power station in relation to areas of major electrical
consumption is also an important consideration. After looking at a number of
potential locations in the south part of Ontario, we decided the Pickering
Township site is preferable for many reasons, including its proximity to large load
centres. The final decision rests with the Atomic Energy Control Board," Mr.
Strike said.
Nov. 16, 1964 - Door to Door Mail started in this area.
Dec. 5, 1964 - Surveyor Scott starts survey of Fairport in the areas described as follows:
Firstly: Bounded on the north by Bay Street, on the east by Liverpool Road
and on the south and west by Frenchman's Bay.
Secondly: Bounded on the north by Browning Avenue, on the east by the
westerly lint of Registered Plan M-15, on the south by the northerly limit of
registered Plan 65 and its westerly production and on the west by Frenchman's
Bay, saving and excepting those properties in this secondly described portion
which adjoin Frenchman's Bay.
This would result in plans of survey M-89 and M-90 made by R. R. Scott,
OLS, dated Feb 5th and 24th, 1965.
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Pickering Township
On May 20, 1790 a survey was ordered to mark the townships in the District of Nassau in
the Province of Upper Canada, which began at the Bay of Quint6 and extended westward
to Toronto. Beginning in the east the eleven townships were named Murray, Cramahe,
Haldimand, Hamilton, Hope, Clarke, Bristol, Norwich, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dublin.
By command of the Lieutenant Governor, Col. Simcoe five of the townships were re -named
to Darlington, Whitby, Pickering, Scarborough and York. Pickering which was Township
No. 9 was originally Edinburgh.'
"Pickering Township was opened in 1792 and called Edinburgh. Re -named after the English
town in Yorkshire. It is worth remembering that Col. Timothy Pickering of Massachusetts
was a guest of Col. John Graves Simcoe at Niagara in 1793." 2
Col. Pickering was a cousin of Mrs. Simcoe.'
Col. Timothy Pickering B-1745, D-1829. Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Essex
County, Mass. 1775 - commanded a regiment in the Continental Army 1776 - 1782,
Secretary of War - 1794, Member of Congress 1814 - 1817.4
Ontario Historical Papers Vol. XXV - 1929
2 Province of Ontario - Middleton - Vol. II
Mrs. Simcoe's Diary - Chapter XII
4 The Simcoe Papers Vols. 1 - 4
r
PICKERING TOWNSHIP - THE PRELUDE
1790 May 20 - Instructions were prepared for Philip R. Frey, the Deputy Surveyor for
the District of Nassau, to survey and mark the front lines of townships from the
eastern boundary of that district to Toronto and to carry back the side lines of
each township one mile well marked. The survey was not made as Frey had been
given leave of absence and failed to return. The next year on February 22
Augustus Jones was appointed to succeed him.
Ontario Historical Society Vol XXV
1791 Feb. 22 - Survey ordered to mark the front line of a row of townships from the
eastern boundary of the district of Toronto to the mouth of the river Trent.
1791 July 1 - Augustus Jones, Provincial Land Surveyor began the survey and finished
17 Sept., being 79 days.
There were eleven townships laid out and what is now Pickering, Scarborough
and York were originally Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dublin.
1795 July 18 - D.W. Smith, Surveyor -General orders Augustus Jones, P.L.S. to open
a horse path from York to the mouth of the river Trent.
1799 April 13 - Road approved from York to mouth of the river Trent.
1799 April 29 - John Stegman P.L.S. started at King and Queen Street, Toronto and
was at Duffim's Creek by June 10.
1799 June 5 - Asa Danforth started cutting the road laid out by Stegman at the Don
River and by July 26 was through Scarborough and Pickering Townships. He
had reached Port Hope by November 27.
1800 December 19 - Road from York to mouth of Trent finished.
In 1763 Frenchman's Bay was in the Province of Quebec.
In 1788, July 24th the west portion of the Province of Quebec was divided into four
districts being Luneburg, Mecklenburgh, Nassau and Hesse. The Bay was now in the
district of Nassau. In 1791 the four original districts renamed to Eastern, Midland,
Home and Western. At this time also Province of Quebec divided to be Upper and
Lower Canada. In Upper Canada nineteen counties were created. Now the Bay was in
York County, Home District of Upper Canada.
In 1841 the Province of Upper Canada ceased to exist and the Region West of the
Ottawa River became Canada West. The County of York also included what is now the
counties of Ontario and Peel. In 1852 Ontario County was formed and on January 1,
1854 Ontario County was on its own. The Township of Pickering was named
Edinburgh. An early map of Pickering 1793, shows County of York Township #9,
formerly Edinburgh now Pickering.
In 1791 the Townships of Norwich, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dublin were re-
named Whitby, Pickering, Scarborough and York by Simcoe's command.
Ontario Historical Papers Vol XXV - Cruikshank
"It is worth remembering that Col. Timothy Pickering of Massachusetts was a guest of
Col. Simcoe at Niagara in 1793."
- Province of Ontario 1615 - 1927 - Middleton Vol II
Pickering was Mrs. Simcoe's cousin - Mrs. Simcoe's Diary Chapter XII
Note: Re Pickering To wnship - The Prelude. Most of the information is taken from
Archives of Ontario records.
1850 Broken Fronts of Pickering Township not surveyed in the original survey but at
a later date by a surveyor of the name of Galbraith.
- Testimony of John Shier P.L.S. - Parker vs. Elliot UCCP-470
Townships laid out by running a base line in an east -west direction far enough
inland from the lake to miss bays, river mouths, etc. This became the Base Line.
Concession lines ran parallel to the base line at 1-1/4 mile intervals. At right
angles to the concession and range lines and running roughly north and south
were road allowance 1/2 miles apart. These were further divided in half by lot
lines. A lot contained 200 acres. Pickering Township originally contained 35 lot
lines and has nine concessions and 3 broken front ranges. Lot 1 began at the
Whitby -Pickering line. Bayly Street was the "Base Line" and Montgomery was
a range line between Ranges 3 and 2. Living on Front Road west of Liverpool
Road would be in Lot 23, Broken Front, Range 3.
1852 -
NOTICE TO SURVEYORS
The Municipal Council of the Township of Pickering will until
31 st Day of May next
receive TENDERS for establishing the boundary lines and Governing
Points of this Township and placing proper stone monuments thereon in
accordance with the Act of Parliament of the Province for that purpose
made and provided.
Tenders to be sealed and addressed to the Townships Clerk
Hector Beaton
Township Clerk
Pickering April 26`h, 1852
DIMi
PLACE NAMES ON THE
NORTH SHORE OF
LAKE ONTARIO
It runs into Lake Ontario in the Township of Pickering (east of the River
of Easy Entrance) and is remarkable for the quantity of salmon which resorts
to it. From the name of an early trader. Augustus Jones says this stream was
called Sinquatickdequioch which means "Pine Woods running alongside".'
Duffim's Creek called Pinewood by Captain Walter Butler, March 13, 1779.3
Duffim's Creek which is generally open and large enough to receive boats
at most seasons of the year.4
1 I ,
v f MITF. i
Also known as Katabokokonk (River of Easy Entrance)4 11
and Kitchisippi (The Big River)2. The river abounds with fish, at its
embouchure are good intervals for meadow ground and it is the back
communication from the German settlement in Markham and Lake Ontario.
Also known as Yatquibinonick (a creek comes out under the Highlands).2
On the north shore of Lake Ontario between Pigeon Bay and Petit
Ecors.' 4 2
Between Toronto and Bay of Quinte. On Arrowsmith's early map the only
name given on the north shore of Lake Ontario between Toronto and the Bay
of Quinte is that of Pigeon Bay. Perhaps Frenchman's Bay was intended.
Ganaraska
By some called Petnetescoutiang. Runs into Lake Ontario east of Petit
Ecors and west of Pont Cdiveux.41
2
Also known as Pemetesoutiang and Smith's Creek.
Highlands east of York `
Scarborough Heights'
On north shore of Lake Ontario east of Salmon River and between it and
River Ganaraska.a z
Monadelphia
On the west bank of Duffm's Creek south of Kingston Road near
Pickering.
Charles Fothergill's Researches in Natural History Vol I. Fothergill called
Dufi-m's Creek "The Meander"
- County of Ontario - Farewell
Otchipway Appelation is Cobechenonk (leave canoe and go north).'
`First Gazetteer of Upper Canada - Scadding
The Canadian Institute Vol XIV Ser II
'A Topographical Description of His Majesty's Province of Upper Canada in North
America by David William Smyth - Surveyor - General 1799
3Journal of Captain Walter Butler - 1779
The Canadian Institute Vol IV, Ser II - 1895
4Travels of John Long 1768 - 1791
Milo M Quaife - 1791
5Katabokokonk - word properly is Atatabahkookong meaning Grassy Entrance - was
Easy a misreading of Grassy - Scadding
MAIL
1790 - Toronto one delivery a year - Spilsbury
1791 - Kingston was as far west as regular mail ran.
"There were occasional mail by bateau on the St. Lawrence and by King's Ships
on Lake Ontario during the sailing season. One mail express in winter to
Niagara. The courier travelled on snowshoe via Oswego and the south shore of
Lake Ontario to Niagara. Usually left Montreal in January and averaged 18
miles per day, making a journey of at least 3 months."
- Mrs. Simcoe's Diary
1792 - Winter - Overseas mail landed in Boston and New York and carried to the
Canadian place of entry when the receiver paid the postage.
- Spilsbury
1799 - A public Post Office opened in York.
- Guillet - Pioneer Travel in Upper Canada
1809 - "A monthly communication by post between Upper and Lower Canada has been
lately opened."
- Letters from Canada - Hugh Gray
1823 - First Post Office in Ontario County at Hamer's Corners just east of Whitby.
- Ontario County - Farewell
"Only Post Office between York and Port Hope."
- Brian Winters - A Town called Whitby
1829 - January 6 - Post Office established at Duffin's Creek - Francis Leys Post Master
- Woods
1831 - One bag sufficient to carry the mail for all the settlement between Kingston and
York.
Pioneer Travel - Guillet
1851 - The provinces take over the administration of the Post Offices from London.
1852 - Dunbarton Post Office opened on October 6, John Parker P.M.
- Woods
1876 - Liverpool Market had a Post Office (corner of Liverpool Road & Highway # 2).
1896 - Liverpool Market Post Office closed.
- P.N. April 10, 1896
1905 - Daily mail service and stage coach service to and from Toronto ended. It had
been operated by Ben Woods of Dunbarton.
- Spilsbury
1921 - August 22, Fairport P.O. opened
1931 - June 22, Pickering Beach P.O. "
1942 - March 2, Ajax P.O. if
1944 - July 25, Fairport Beach P.O. it
1962 - June 1, Bay Ridges P.O. "
1964 - November 16 - Door to door delivery service inaugurated in south portions of
Pickering and Ajax.
- Oshawa Times - November 17, 1964
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8 THE OSHAWA TIMES, Tuesday, Ne•ember 17, 1964
r Ajax Letter Carrier
Mail Deliver
Y
Starts
1• `AJAX (Staff) — The inaugur- lis, F. G. Rowe, G. R. Rudlin, Offices which have served the
ti ation of letter carrier delivery Tom Sibeon and John Gareru- new Ajax Letter Carrier De
was held outside the Ajax Post cha. Pickering Beach will be livery area were established are:,
Office Monday morning with the serviced by George Lumb and as follows:
attendance of two members of M. S. Bagorek will deliver mail "Fairport, August 22, 1921;
parliament. in Fairport Beach. Bay Ridges Pickering Beach, June 22, 1931;
Dr. Stanley Haidasz, MP, Par- residents will have their mail Ajax, March 2. 1942; Fairport
liamentary Secretary to the delivered by Garnet . Banks, Beach, July 25, 1944; Bay
Minister of External Affairs said John Brown and Neil Jackson. Ridges, June 1, 1961.
in his- remarks that he was Four supervisor carriers who "The development of the gen-
happy to extend the postal car- will handle the Saturday mail eral area which will receive the
rierservice to Ajax, Bay deliveries are: Sidney Brechin, benerits of Letter Carrier De -
Ridges, Fairport Beach andBernard Cushinan, John Elwell livery Service, commencing to -
Pickering Beach. land John Stephenson. Post Off'- day, is reflected in the sales of
Michael Starr, MP, said that cer One, in charge of carriers, postage. In the fiscal year end -
the new service showed that the is G. E. Parsons. ing March 31, 1944 the combined
area 'was on the threshold of In a short ceremony at!ended revenue of the Fairport, Picker-
? an even greater growth, by about 50 people Pickering ing Beach and Ajax Post Of -
Rev. T. Rex Norman of Ajax Township Reeve E. W. Laycox (ices was $20,921.00. This figure
St. Paul's United Church asked cut the ribbon at the Post Office increased to ;;32,578.00 for the
for Divine Blessing on the new entrance symbolizing the open- year ending March 31, 1954 when
_.,-: _service and the 11 mail carriers. ing of the new, service.. the � revAwdir'--of' 'the F
Beach Office was included. The
CO-OPERATION ASKED LEITER READ combined revenue of the afore -
The District Director of Postal The delivery of the first letter mentioned offices and the Bay
Service, J. G. Fultz asked . for was made by Tom Sibeon to Ridges Post Office was • $102,-
close co-operation from the area Mayor Harry Smith. Mayor 951.00 for the year ending
citizens and warned that letter Smith read the letter from Post-
boxes are necessary at each master General John R. Nichol- PROPER ADDRESSING
home. Mr. Fultz said that for son as follows:
the first few days letter boxes "With the delivery of this let- "The growth of your area has
would not be insisted upon but if ter, which marks the provision now made it expedient to estab-
no boxes had been installed in of Letter Carrier Delivery Serv- lish Letter Carrier Delivery.
three or four days people would ice from the Ajax Post Office With the advent of this service,
have to go to the post office to the sections of Pickering it is most important that we re-
in Ajax to pick up their mail. Township known as Ajax. Bay ceive the closest co-operation
All mail for the area to be Ridges, Fairport, Fairport from the citizens in order to en -
serviced will come to the Ajax Beach and Pickering Beach, the able us to provide an efficient,.
Post Office from now on. Post- Ajax Post Office becomes one of service. All possible steps should
men serving in the outlying 194 throughout Canada pro- be taken to ensure that mail is
areas will be transported to viding door-to-door delivery ser- properly addressed to house
their routes by taxis and each vice. number and street name and
carrier will serve from 450 to "The history of your general this is particularly important in
500 homes. area is indeed an interesting the case of magazines and news -
The service, which came into one. The first land grants in papers being mailed by publish -
effect Monday, will be on a six Pickering Township were made ers to individual subscribers.
days a week basis with the by John Graves Simcoe as Lieu The subscriber should himself
supervisory carriers delivering tenant Governor in 1792 and the notify each publisher his cor-
the Saturday mail. first settler in the area was Wil- reef street address andd ask that
Liam Peal; who settled at Duf- the publication be addressed ac-
A number
drop will be made es fin's Creek in 17�99. In the same cordingly.
a number mail
Ajax factories
where the mail is too heavy for Year the first serviceable road "It is essential that each home
the carriers. Over the weekend into the Township was com- be equipped with a suitable let -
it between the junction of
22 new mail boxes were put up ter slot or box and that the civic
by the Post Office Department King and QuQeen streets in To number be installed where it is
to increase efficiency for out- ronto and L•uffin's Creek.
going letters. .. "By the year 1825 there were clearly visible from the street.
some 830 families in the town- The pathways or driveways
MAIL CARRIERS ship and many of these were from the street to the individual
The following are the men who Quakers. They were able to homes should be maintained in
will be serving the town of Ajax build log houses at an average
in their daily routes: W. R. Wil. cost of $70.00 each since in the 'good order to facilitate the work
early and middle 1800's timber of the Letter Carriers and avoid
was exported in large quantities delaying them on their routes.
from Pickering Township where We would greatly appreciate
there were 20 saw mills in oper- ,your stressing the importance of
ation in 1846. In those days the
harbours at Frenchman's Bayl'everyone providing these facil-
rter r� service to Ajax, Bay deliveries are: Sidney Brechin, b
Ridges, Fairport Beach and Bernard Cushinan, John Elwell 1
Pickering Beach. and John Stephenson. Post Offi-
Michael Starr, MP, said that cer One, in charge of carriers, I
the new service showed that the is G. E. Parsons.
area was on the threshold of In a short ceremony attended t
in even greater growth. by about 50 people Pickering i
Rev. T. Rex Norman of Ajax Township Reeve E. W. Laycox f
St. Paul's United Church asked cut the ribbon at the Post Office i
for Divine Blessing on the new entrance symbolizing the open- ,
service and the ll mail carriers. ing of the new service. j
CO.OPERATION ASKED
The District Director of Postal
Service, J. G. Fultz asked. for
close co-operation from the area
citizens and warned that letter
boxes are necessary at each
home. Mr. Fultz said that for
the first few days letter boxes
would not be insisted upon but if
no boxes had been installed in
three or four days people would
have to go to the post office
in Ajax to pick up their mail.
All, mail for the area to be
serviced will come to the Ajax
Post Office from now on. Post.
men serving in the outlying
areas will be transported to
their routes by taxis and each
carrier will serve from 150 to
500 homes.
The service, which came into
effect Monday, will be on a six
days a week basis with the
supervisory carriers delivering
the Saturday mail.
A direct drop will be made to
a number of Ajax factorie
where the mail is ton heavy fo
the carriers. Over the weeken
22 new mail boxes were put u
by the Post Office Departmen
to increase efficiency for out
going letters. -
MAIL CARRIERS
The following are the men wh
will be serving the town of Aja
in their daily routes: W. R. Wil
s
r
d
p
t
LETTER READ
The delivery of the first letter
was made by Tom Sibeon to
Mayor Harry Smith. Mayor
Smith read the letter from Post-
master General John R. Nichol-
son as follows:
"With the delivery of this let-
ter, which marks the provision
of Letter Carrier Delivery Serv-
ice from the Ajax Post Office
to the sections of Pickering
Township known as Ajax, Bay
Ridges, Fairport, Fairport
Beach and Pickering Beach, the
Ajax Post Office becomes one of
194 throughout Canada pro-
viding door-to-door delivery ser-
vice.
"The history of your general
area is indeed an interesting
one. The first land grants in
Pickering Township were made
by John Graves Simcoe as Lieu-
tenant Governor in 1792 and the
first settler in the area was Wil-
liam Peal: who settled at Duf-
fin's Creek in 1N9. In the same
year the first serviceable road
into the Township was com-
pleted between the junction of
King and QuQeen streets in To
ronto and L•uffin's Creek.
'By the year 1925 there were
some 830 families in the town
ship and many of these were
o Quakers. They were able tc
x build log houses at an averagt
cost of $70.00 each since in tht
early and middle 1800's timbe
was exported in large quantitie
from Pickering Township wher,
there were 20 saw mills in oper
ation in 1846. In those days th
harbours at Frenchman's Ba,
and Rnuee River were used b
' aiipping affd atriaR ship
could navigate up Duffin'
Creek as tar as the Kingsto
Road_,-___
two-"t'.
r meet-
,e a re-
s rally
Burch,
.urned
n and
were
Mrs.
Mani
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f
a
S
t
t
Si
s
n
nefiits of Letter Carrier De-
ery Service, commencing to
y, is reflected in the sales of
stage. In the fiscal year end-
s March 31, 1944 the combined
venue of the Fairport, Picker -
Beach and Ajax Post Of -
was $20,921.00. This figure
creased to $32,578.00 for the,
gar ending March 31, 1954 wheni
e revenue= of the FA",pOrt,
,ach Office was included. Thel
ombined revenue of the afore-1
entioned offices and the Ray
idges Post Office was $'.22,-
51.00 for the year ending
March 31, 1964.
t
b
p
n
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t
ROPER ADDRESSING
"The growth of your area has
ow made it expedient to estab-
sh Letter Carrier Delivery.
Vith the advent of this service,
is most important that we re-
eive the closest co-operation
rom the citizens in order to en-�
ble us to provide an efficient
ervice. All possible steps should
e taken to ensure that mail is
roperly addressed to house
umber and street name and
his is particularly important in
he case of magazines and news-
apers being mailed by publish-
ers to individual subscribers.
The subscriber should himself
otify each publisher of his cor-
ect street address and ask that
he publication be addressed ac-
cordingly
"It is essential that each home
be equipped with a suitable let-
ter slot or box and that the civics
number be installed where it is
clearly visible from the street.
The pathways or driveways
from the street to the individual
homes should be maintained in
good order to facilitate the work
of the Letter Carriers and avoid
delaying them on their routes.
We would greatly appreciate
your stressing the importance of
veryone providing these facil-
PICKERING COLLEGE
"Early schools in the Town-
ship were of log construc-
tion and often doubled as
churches on Sundays. The orig-
inal Pickering College was built
in the Township about 1875 by
the Quakers. It later burned
down and<.is Aboated at
Newmark t
"In 1d_ otsisting of
some 12
ken over
and a ing plant
WA n cosiht~,r 6 this land to
produce .• .1 ittued
war e g area was
named Aj81Fiff1t%1,.. the British
battle cruiser which distinguish.
ed itself in-tl*' lbattle of the
River PlatG,,'AjsiVgrew rapidly
and during, *orld War II con-
tributed greatly to the allied
war effort by means of its mu
nitions products. It became a
separate municipality in 1950
and reached the status of a
Town in 1955.
"The dates on which the Post
after in.
ing imp
promptly
actuat rt
(shrinkint
Among,
a variety
tions. Relit
ot`long st
portant of
thorough t
was mainta
e
Ice Cutting
at
Frenchman's Bay, Township of Pickering
The cutting and storing of ice from the waters of Frenchman's Bay probably began when
the first settlers arrived in the area. David Gardner bought land in what was to be the
village of Fairport in 1834. The earliest mention of ice cutting in local papers seems to be
1896.
Ice was being used in the 1830's and ice cream was sold in York at that time.' While dining
in Erindale in 1837 Anna Jameson states, "Our wine, water and butter were iced." 2 Henry
Scadding describes an early ice house thus "In this direction were the earliest public ice
houses established in our region, in rude buildings of slab, thickly thatched over with pine
branches. Spring water ice, gathered from neighbouring mill ponds, began to be stored here
in quantities."'
The cutting of ice at the Bay would fall into two categories: The cutting for a large company
such as Crystal Ice in 1900 and cutting for individuals in the area such as home owners,
storekeepers, farmers and commercial fishermen. In the former case the ice was cut by the
company using its own equipment and men and then stored in their own ice house which
was located on the waterfront between Wharf and Bay Streets.4 In the latter, the ice was
cut by a person and then sold to individual buyers. Gordon Andrus and later Walter Avis
cut and sold ice. The ice was taken away from the cutting area by sleighs and teams of
horses and later by trucks. The sleighs or trucks were loaded from a platform set up on the
ice or from a platform at the extreme west end of Wharf Street. Access to the platform on
the ice was usually at the west end of Commerce Street. Ice was taken up to the platform
by an endless steel belt driven by a gasoline engine.
The bulk of the ice stored here by Canada Ice was shipped to Toronto on a barge pulled by
a tug.5 The barges were owned at one time by a Mr. Burns and the tug belonged to Joe
Goodwin. Mr. Burns came from Ireland to Toronto in 1849 and in 1866 he established the
Dominion Ice Company.6
Ice would be at least one foot thick before cutting began. In a large operation snow would
be removed by horse drawn scrapers or ploughs and areas of frozen slush would be
removed. Until cutting was done by machines, the ice was cut by a horse drawn plough or
even pulled by manpower. Ploughs could cut down to 8 to 12 inches and also marked the
line on the ice for the next cut. When the area to be cut had been ploughed one way it was
`Men and Manners in America - T. Hamilton - 1833
2Winter Studies and Summer Rambles in Canada
- Anna Jameson - 1834
Toronto of Old - Henry Scadding - 1838
4Bay St. is now part of Annland Street
'Schooner Days - DCLXIII
6History of Toronto and York - Hathaway - 1855 - Vol. I
Page I
then cut at a right angle to the initial cut making a block of ice about 22 x 22 inches.
Depending on the thickness of the ice being cut, it would then be possible to separate a line
of blocks by the use of a splitting chisel or needle bar or maybe some cutting would have
to be done by a hand held ice saw. A line of blocks would then be pushed or pulled by
means of a pike pole or ice hook into the channel leading to the conveyor. Each block was
then separated by the chisel and pushed to the conveyor.
Another method of obtaining ice was for a few residents to get together and cut their own.
A small platform was set up on the ice and the blocks would be raised from the water to the
platform by a gin pole and manual labour. Cutting for an operation like this would be done
entirely by hand or with the aid of an ice plough if one was available.
In an ice house blocks would be trimmed if needed by using a shaver or slusher. The tiers
of ice would be kept level by using a floor shaver if needed. The ice was packed in sawdust,
about a foot thick to keep it from melting in the warm weather.
Ice was used in homes and stores and many homes and cottages here in Fairport had an ice
house on the property. Ice was used to pack fish caught by the commercial fishermen into
boxes for shipment by rail to dealers. Many boxes of fish were shipped from the railway
station known as Dunbarton. This station was located on the south side of the present
CNR tracks opposite the I.G.A. plaza on Bayly Street.
In the late 1930's and early 40's ice was delivered to homeowners in the area from a large
ice house which was located on the West side of Liverpool Road just South of the Cemetery.
This business was owned by T. Sowerby and the cutting of the ice and filling this ice house
was done by Mr. Walter Avis of Wharf Street. See Toronto Daily Star of January 16, 1936.
Artificial ice was being manufactured in Toronto by 1915 and the large commercial demand
for natural ice dropped off. The large scale cutting operations by the big companies such
as Lake Simcoe Ice Co. Ltd. here at the Bay seems to have ended by 1916.
Page 2
The following material is taken from the Pickering News and the date shown is the date of
publication.
1896 - Feb. 28 George Stoner cutting ice at the Bay for W. Woodruff.
1889 - Feb. 4 The Crystal Ice Company located at Pickering Harbour have filled their
ice house and are now waiting for Spring before shipping to Toronto.
Mr. Arthur Wiles, Manager of the Company intends to double their
capacity for storage during next summer.
1890 - May 11 The Steamer Marbard under Captain Heatherington brought a load of
sawdust for the ice house and took away the first cargo of ice for the
city.
1901 - Jan. 18 The work on the ice house is rapidly being pushed forward.
1901 - Feb. 8 The former ice house being blown down the contractors for the new
building are rushing the work. The new one is to be 120 ft. wd instead
of 80 ft. as on the former one.
1901 - Feb. 22 The Crystal Ice Company are very busy, 30 to 40 men working on site.
1901 - Mar. 1 The merry whistle of the Crystal Ice Company at 7 a.m. sharp, starts
the programme, and away goes the busy saw, hammer and rattle of
lumber, mingled with the hum of the ice plough, the unearthly screams
of the drivers joining in the circus, and anchored by the man behind the
plough, the rattle of the ice saw and the drill thud of the ice bar as it
splits asunder the best efforts of Jack Frost, the chopping of wood, roar
of the furnace and escaping steam make such a din that it has chased
away the quietness that had settled upon us. The sun looks smilingly
o'er the busy scene as much as to say, "Hurry up for I'm going to spoil
your fun". But why is not Howard Clark who holds the reigns of iron
horses and Geo. McCracker, who feeds the iron chariots rushing the
work, in fact making considerable overtime.
1901 - Mar. 8 It looks as if the bathing season was on earlier this year than usual. A
number of the Canada Ice Company's employees have taken a bath in
our bay, and the bather's all agree that it is a little early yet. Howard
Clark, who runs the hoisting engine for the company took one a few
nights ago while out skating. He broke a hole to get in, and broke a
large one to get out. Just think of it, dear reader, and shiver, going
home on March 1st. 1901, at 8 p.m., with the water running down your
Page 3
I
pants and out at the top of your boots, with the arms extending from
the body at an angle of 45 degrees. But we enjoy it if they do.
The Crystal Ice Company is a thing of the past, and is replaced
by a number of Toronto gentlemen known as the "Canada Ice
Company". Since this company was formed last December, they have
built a substantial ice -house 150 feet long by 120 feet wide and 31 feet
high. The house is divided into four rooms 30 ft. wide running the
entire length of the building, each room having a separate roof. The
capacity of the house is 13,000 tons and is now filled with finest quality
of ice, the water of the harbour being supplied by Lake Ontario. The
work has been done under the able management of Arthur Wiles, a
member of the company. Success.
John Fullen, the foreman of Mr. Webb, who had the contract
of building the ice -house, gave his employees, on the completion of his
work, a supper at the residence of Mrs. James Hilts on Thursday
evening. The table fairly groaned under the load of good things
provided by that genial lady. Oysters were served steaming hot. After
all had done ample justice, Mr. Webb took the chair, and a vote of
thanks was tendered to the ladies and to Mr. Fullen. Speeches singing
and a social time generally was the next thing in order. All enjoyed the
-- evening very much, and after singing "God Save the King" the
company left for their respective homes.
1901 - July 5 The Canada Ice Company ships a large scow of 200 ton capacity of ice
from here daily. It is the intention of the Company to greatly increase
the capacity of the ice house here before next winter.
1901 - Aug. 2 W. Bateman of Canada Ice Company has moved into a house owned
by Mr. Hadely.
1902 - May 9 One day last week while a tug was engaged towing one of the Canada
Ice Company's barges to Toronto, the lake became so rough that they
had to cut the barge loose. The latter, which was loaded with ice as
well as containing a gasoline engine, soon broke in two, causing the
entire loss of the barge and its contents. There were several men on the
barge, but they were rescued before it was wrecked.
1902 - July 1. Mr. Bedford, manager of the Canada Ice Company paid an official
visit to the ice houses on Monday.
1902 - July 25 An employee of the Ice Company has moved into the Wright residence.
Mr. Graham the manager visited Toronto this week.
Page 4
1902 - Nov. 14 The Canada Ice Company is repairing their waterfront and the dredge
Nipissing is digging a channel for the purpose of loading barges.
1902 - Dec. 5 The Canada Ice Company are putting an addition to their house here.
1903 - Nov. 6 One of the Canada Ice Company's horses drowned while working at
their ice houses at the Bay.
1903 - Dec. 4 WANTED - As soon as ice is fit to cut, a good threshing engine to run
an ice elevator, also a few men and teams. Apply Canada Ice Co., Ltd.
42 Esplanade Street, East Toronto, or at the ice -house at Frenchman's
Bay.
1904 - Jan. 8 Wanted 20 - 30 men to begin work Monday morning on the Bay at ice
harvest. Apply at Canada Ice Company.
1904 - Mar. 11 The ice company will finish their harvest this week.
1904 - June 11 Inst 12253 - J. Avis sells land to Canadian Ice Co.
1906 - Feb. 16 There is one period every year when our usually quiet little burg
assumes an appearance of great activity. that season is when the
Canada Ice Co. is engaged in its annual ice harvest, when a gang of
men to the number of about fifty is actively at work laying up a supply
of ice in the company's store -houses. Those who have never seen the
ice -harvesting operations should make a visit to the bay as it is the
most interesting sight. At present the ice that is being cut is about
three-quarters of a mile from the store -house, and is of the best quality,
and is being stored at the rate of from 200 to 300 tons per hour. At
this rate it will take about 3 or 4 weeks to fill the buildings.
1908 - Feb. 14 Men from Pickering Village working for Canada Ice Company at the
Bay.
1909 - Feb. 12 The Canada Ice Co. are now busy laying in their season's supply of ice
and have a large gang of men at work. They met with a misfortune on
Saturday morning last. Owing to the softness of the ice the plough
broke through causing a considerable amount of ice to break away and
causing the horses to fall into the water. No planks were at hand and
before the animals could be removed one of them perished from the
cold. Several accidents of this character have occurred this season but
this is the only one in which any loss was sustained. The company use
Page S
t
their own horses at this work, being the same as are used in the
summer in the delivery of ice.
1909 - May 14 The Canada Ice Company took their first load of ice to the city on
Wednesday of this week. They also have a large gang of carpenters
and caulkers fitting up a scow for their summer use.
1910 - Jan. 28 One of the most highly respected of our residents nearly lost his life by
drowning one day this week. While overseeing some ice cutting for the
Canada Ice Co. he stepped into a hole in the ice and disappeared. On
re -appearing above the surface he used his lungs very freely, which
brought the much desired help. After much work he was rescued from
his uncomfortable position none the worse of his experience. George
likes the water when it is warm, but no more winter baths for him.
1910 - Aug. 5 On Saturday, Mr. Oliver Edwards who is employed at the ice house at
Fairport was fixing some machinery and was struck on the head by a
chain. Seven stitches were required to close the wound and he has been
off work for several days.
1911 - Dec. 22 Lake Simcoe Co. Ltd. to appear before Township council Monday Jan.
8, 1912 re the removal of its buildings on Wharf and Bay Streets at
Fairport.
1912 - Jan. 12 Messrs. Fairhead and Wiles of Lake Simcoe Ice Company appeared
before Pickering Township Council.
1912 - Mar. 8 The Simcoe Ice Company have completed their harvest at the Bay.
More ice stored this year due to greater accommodation.
1912 - Apr. 26 The Ice Company started to ship ice to the city (Toronto) this week.
1913 - Jan. 10 The Ice Company has erected a new boarding house for the
convenience of their employees during the ice harvesting operations.
1913 - Feb. 7 WANTED - 50 men on Monday morning Feb. 10 to cut ice for the
Lake Simcoe Ice Company. Apply to A. Wiles, Frenchman's Bay.
1913 - Sept. 19 Ernest Sambrooks, foreman for the Ice Co. at the Bay charged with
being drunk.
1914 - Jan. 8 Inst 13270: The Canadian Ice Company to the Lake Simcoe Ice Supply.
Page 6
r
1916 - Jan. 21 We understand that the ice industry at the Bay will be managed this
year by local parties.
1916 - Feb. 11 Gordon Andrus has fitted up a gasoline engine for cutting ice. The
machine works fine and can do the work fine and can do the work of
many men. Ice -cutting is now in full swing, many teams coming to the
bay every day.
1917 - Feb. 16 Ice - Gordon Andrus of Frenchman's Bay is prepared to furnish
farmers and all others with cut ice, loaded on wagon or sleigh at
anytime at a reasonable price. Loading done by machinery. Get your
supply at once and avoid the rush later on. The quality this season is
first class.
1918 - Mar. 22 Due to the swift service of the Liverpool Market power ice cutters, the
ice harvest at the harbour was brought to an unusually early end on
Saturday. (Note: the Harbour referred to is Whitby Harbour)
1919 - Mar. 7 The ice -men have had their difficulties this winter in securing the
necessary supply of ice. On account of the mild winter the usual
sources of supply have failed in meeting the demands of the dealers.
As a result much of the ice used in the cities will have to be secured by
artificial means. Frenchman's Bay, which has been usually the source
of the local supply, has not been frozen over this winter, although there
is some along the western side, which is not convenient to reach. Those
in the village who require a supply for the summer have started this
week to harvest in the large pond. The quality there is very good at
present, but a few more warm days such as we have been having will
injure it greatly. They are fortunate in getting it, after such a mild
winter.
1920 - Feb. 13 A sad death took place in Toronto on Saturday last when Gordon
Andrus died after a few days illness from pneumonia. He contracted
a severe cold while harvesting ice at Fairport from which he never fully
recovered. He was well and favourably known in Pickering and his
death came as a great shock to his many friends. He leaves a
sorrowing widow and three small children for whom the deepest
sympathy is expressed.
1934 - Feb. 2 Arthur Mitchell is busy these days harvesting ice at Frenchman's Bay,
which he is delivering to various parts of the county and Scarboro
Page 7
t
Township. The ice is about 18 inches in thickness and is of better
quality than it has been for a number of years.
1934 - Feb. 23 Ice harvesting has been carried on at the Bay to quite an extent during
the past few weeks. The ice is about twenty inches in thickness and is
of excellent quality, being as clear as crystal. On Lake Simcoe, in
January, men harvested ice eighteen inches thick, and they are now
curing the second time at the same place and the ice is again 18 inches
thick.
1935 - Feb. 1 Fairport will be one of the busiest places in the country for the next
few weeks. The Bay has been frozen over and the ice harvest has
begun. The ice is of good quality, and there is a great demand for it
by the farmers, who require it for their milk which they ship to the city.
1936 - Jan. 16 Old Dobbin Loses Job, Motor Cuts Ice Blocks - Frenchman's Bay, Jan.
16 - Visioning torrid midsummer days, residents of Frenchman's Bay
are busily hauling in their annual harvest of ice from the frozen surface
of the bay and sorting it for use when butter floats in its own fat and
milk goes sour through the efforts of King Sol. Horses, used for
generations to cut and transport the huge blocks, were no longer in
evidence when The Star visited the scene, the industry having become
mechanized.
For the first time in the history of ice -cutting on the bay, a
motor driven saw, developed by Walter Avis, Frenchman's Bay, in his
spare time, is being used to gouge huge chunks off the solid surface of
the water.
The cutter, which is pushed by hand, cuts two lines through ice
to a depth of 91/2 inches. By crossing the first cuts made, the ice blocks
are clearly marked out and one blow of a slicing bar is sufficient to
separate the 200-pound blocks. These are floated to an inclined ramp
where an endless belt, driven by a one -cylinder motor, hoists them to
the loading platform on the level of truck platforms.
Utilizing a four -cylinder motor from a discarded automobile,
Mr. Avis mounted a thirty -inch circular saw on each end of the
shortened rear axle and put the apparatus on skids. The result was an
effective labour-saving ice -cutter.
"It was just an experiment," Mr. Avis told The Star. "I find that
is will cut as much ice as men can using three or four horses. It can
keep four or five trucks busy hauling ice all day."
Page 8
c
Jan. 1936 - Ice: Place your order now for your ice supply. We have all modern equipment.
Phone Pickering 5710. W. Avis, Frenchman's Bay.
Jan. 21, 1938 - Ice cutting in full swing at the Bay. Ice is 2-ft. thick.
Jan. 30, 1942 - Ice is being cut from the Bay to fill the 100,000 block ice house belonging
to Mr. Sowerby.
May 8, 1942 - Mr. Sowerby states he has 2,000 tons of ice at the Bay for delivery to his
customers. The Lake Simcoe Ice Co. also supplies him with artificial icefor those who
prefer it to the natural ice.
Mar. 19, 1943 - Frenchman's Bay has disappointed all those farmers who usually depend
on it to harvest their summer supply of ice, but it was the scene of great activity again this
past weekend when several scores of fishermen ventured on it once more for a final fling at
ice fishing.
May 19, 1944 - The Sowerby Ice Houses at the Bay announce the opening of their season
again this week, with the storage house filled to the roof. They will be calling regularly in
the village and district, commencing immediately.
Page 9
r
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OldDobbin Loses Job
Motor Cuts Ice Blocks
Frenchman's Bay, Jan. 16.—Vision-
ing torrid midsummer days, resi-
dents of Frenchman's Bay are busily
1 hauling in their annual harvest of
ice from the frozen surface of the
bay and storing it for use when
butter floats in its own fat and
.milk goes sour through the efforts
of King Sol. Horses, used for gen-
erations to cut and transport the
huge blocks, were no longer in evi-
dence when The Star visited the
scene, the industry having become
mechanized.
For the first time in the history
of ice -cutting on the bay, a motor
driven saw, developed by Walter
;Avis, Frenchman's Bay, in his spare
'time, is being used to gouge huge
chunks off the solid surface of the
water...
The cutter, which is pushed by
hand, cuts two lines through the
ice to a depth of 9% inches. By
crossing the first cuts made, the ice
blocks are clearly marked out and
one blow of a slicing bar is suf-
ficient to separate the 200-pound
blocks. These are floated to an in-
clined ramp where an endless belt,
driven by a one -cylinder motor,
hoists them to the loading platform
on the level of truck platforms.
Utilizing a four -cylinder motor
from a discarded automobile, Mr.
Avis mounted a thirty -inch cir-
cular saw on each end of the short-
ened rear axle and put the ap-
paratus on skids, The result was nn
effective labor-saving ice -cutter.
"It was just an experiment," Mr.
Avis told The Star. I fines that it
will cut as much ice as men can
using three or four horses. It can
keep four or five trucks busy haul-
ing ice all day."
I'
4
_ FRENCHMAN'S BAY ICE CUTTERS REPLACE HORSES WITH HORSE -POWER
Ice -cutting is under way in rill automobile, a power -driven ice- guiding the 200-pound blocks of ice
Frenchman's Bay, but Old Dubbin, cutter has bee.► developed by Wal- to the endless chain which hoists
who for many years supplied the does
Avis, Frenchman's Bay, which them to the loading platform for
sloes the work of several horses. transfer to trucks; (3) Walter Avis,
motive power. is now among the Working o:► ice 14 inches thick, resi- operating the lice -cutter he built
unemployed, modern mechanization dents of the community are busy The cutter 1.4s two 30-inch circular
of the industry having driven him harvesting h supply for the summer. saws and can cut ice fast enough
into retirement. Manufactured uut (1) Dick Avis, 9, is shown busy to keep four or live trucks busy
i of the motor and drive shaft of an with a handsaw; (2) Men at work hauling it away.
L'1T-.v-.r-."'. ..____. ._�___.__•�...•:��w+irJ.'V!^►.7'917�7fi'P.•7A:,6e!!.�i.•'�f�.:1li. ;.::f
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JOI-IN LECKIE .1.E�IITI:D, TORONTO
ICE TOOLS (Red Line)
Plows a True Straight Line
The size of a plow indicates the final cutting de11th
17
PLOWS
"l'lie Ling of them all. This cut illus-
trates our "ICE KING" Plow, 8-inch, 5
cutting teeth with adjustable swing guide
and clearing tooth. Weight, with case 115
bounds. Designed upon scientific prin-
ciples. Pattern most practical and
economical on the market. The teeth
are made of the finest duality tool steel,
heat treated to maintain a keen cutting
edge.
8-inch "Ice Kings," 5 cutting teeth and clearing tooth, with 2 2-inch Swing Guide .....
10-inch "Ice Kings," 5 cutting teeth and clearing tooth, with 22-inch Swing Guide.... .
12-inch "Ice Kings," 5 cutting teeth and clearing tooth, xvith 22-inch Swing Guide.. • .
Extra Swing Guides to mark 24-inch, 26-inch, 28-inch or 30-inch, any one size made to
orderonly.................................................................
8-inch "Ice Kings," without (;aide .............................................
10-inch "Ice Kings," .%-it hout (;aide ............................................
12-inch "Ice Kines," Without (;uidC . ...... .......
ICE SAWS
Rapid Cut Style
Made in the most superior
nianner and are not to be com-
pared with cheaper slakes.
The teeth are extra long, and
have a large bevel, causing them
to cut rapidly, and throe' off the
='
loose ice caused by the cut of
the saw, making it free running
at all times and easy to operate.
The handle is of -wrought iron
and reversible, and measures 17
inches from the end of the blade
to the extreme end of handle.
The steel in the blade of this
saw is of a special grade most
adapted for ice cutting service.
Supplied in three sizes.
Prices
4 feet long ....... each $8.40
�.
5 it it9.75
The length given above
applies to the blade only.
Shipping weights, with case,
Fig.
4 ft., 13% lbs.; 4Y2 ft., 15 lbs.;
515-A
5 ft., 16% lbs.
Each
$70.00
77.00
84.00
16.00
60.00
67.00
74.00
FLOOR
LEVELLER
Here is a dandy if you
want speed —has a cut-
ting width of 9 inches,
length of teeth 12 inches,
weight 15 pounds.
Our new and improved
floor leveller is adapted to
do rapid work where
there is a large amount of
levelling to be clone. Its
weight and construction
give it a facility for heavy
work that is not equalled
by any other tool. It is
of particular advantage
where ice is packed on
edge.
This is an all -metal
leveller, red painted, D-
handle.
WILL LAST A
LIFE -TIME
Price ....... each $14.00
Shipping weight, 17 lbs.
The Latest Improved
Used from Coast to
Coast
See Inside Front Cover ,for' Instructions in Ordering
18 JOHN LECKIE LIMITED, TORONTO
ICE TOOLS (Red Line)
BOSTON
BULL DOGS
THEY HANG ON
The Latest in Ice Tong Construction
Fig. 521-A. Drag Tongs Red. Points, % in. Fig. 520-A
wide. Weight, 8 lbs.
Fig. 520-A. Boston Tongs Full Swell Handle.
Red. Points, % in. wide.
Drop -forged steel, with extra -hardened, wide, sharp points.
Fig. 520-A, Full swell handles 17-inch...................................... per pair $2.40
It It c` 20-inch........................................per pair 2.65
cc cc cc 24-inch ................. .................. per pair 3.00
cc cc It 26-inch ................ . per pair 3.75
. . ..................
Fig. 521-A, Drag Tongs, hollow handles .................................... per pair 4.50
To measure a tong, take size wit h span wide open.
PATENT FLOOR SHAVER
(Rocking Blade)
Extra Quality Steel
Floor shavers are very useful in levelling a floor of ice in house or vessel, being bent for con-
venience in operating.
The toothed wide edge cuts rapidly anti easily, and the patented rocking blade causes the
"feed" to be accurate. The stout wood handles are extra strong, metal parts painted red, D-
shaped handle. We supply this shaver in one size only.
Price......................................................................each $6.30
Weight 6 pounds; length 5 feel 1 inch; l,l;ule 6 inches wide_; 5 teeth.
REGULAR WOOD HANDLE SHAVERS OR ICE SLICKS
(Extra Quality Steel)
Fig. 516-A
5 GOOD POINTS 7 GOOD POINTS
These shavers can be "gummed out" after the teeth become worn clown from repeated filing
so that the teeth will be as long and slim as -when new. The steel used in these shavers is specially
made for the purpose. The points will hold a fine edge.
Blade 8% by 6 inches wide; handle, 1% inches diameter; length 3 ft. 6 inches. Weight 4%
lbs., 5-point; D-Handle
Price......................................................................each $5.25
Blade, 9 by 7H inches wide; handle 1% inches diameter; length, 3 feet 6 inches; weight, 5%
lbs; 7 point; D-handle.
Price......................................................................each $6.00
See Inside Front Cover for Instructions in Ordering
t
JOHN LECKIE LIMITED, TORONTO 10
ICE TOOLS (Red Line)
ICE
HOOK
These ice hooks are manufactured of the best stock and are heavily steeled, snaking them
very stiff and strong. Select ash handles. The Duller can be bent cold to any angle desired. This
hook is known as the Boston Pattern, has wide points 3/4-inch face, and is most generally used.
Supplied in two sizes.
4-feet, Boston Pattern .......... each $1.90 4y2-feet, Boston Pattern ......... each 2.00
Weight of 4%-ft. hook, 3-3/ lbs.
SPLITTING
Fig. 518-A—Ring Handle NJ CHISEL
Used to split off single cakes in the canal or on the platform. Handy for general use. Has a
blade of uniform taper on each side; ring handle; all red painted; steeled blade; blade 10% by 3
inches; length of chisel 4 feet 6 inches. Tliis style of chisel with the ring handle is mostly preferred
as the operator can maintain a better grip, avoiding it being lost in the open water.
Weight of chisel, 14 lbs. Price...............................................each $6.75
SPLITTING
Fig. 517-A—Knob Handle CHISEL
This chisel is the same r s Fig. 518-A, only it has a knob handle. The blade is 10M by 3 inches;
length of chisel, 4 feet 6 inches; red painted, uniform tapered blade.
Weight, 13% pounds. Price .................... .each $6.00
............................
THEY DO IT RIGHT "CLIPPER" ICE CRUSHERS THEY DO IT FAST
Why It Pays to Install a "Clipper" Ice Crusher
There is a tremendous saving in time and labour. A "Clipper" ice crusher will break as much
ice in a few minutes as can be done by hand in half an hour. Capacity of the establishment is
materially increased and nnen are released for other more important duties. Sudden overload
demands are easily handled. The ice is broken to just the size required —slop, wet and muss are
avoided --unsightly tubs, boxes, etc., are done away with.
"Clipper" ice crushersaremanufactured
of heavy cast iron, specially designed and
sturdily built for the fishermen's require-
ments, to do work efficiently. This is the
r '" u, ,. improved dcsi};n H•ith a superior finish. We
supply two sizes with dimensions as listed
x below.
Fig. 481-A
Number 1
Opening takes a block of ice 10 inches by
12 inches, has a capacity of 2 % tons of ice
per liour. Equippe(l witli fast or loose
lnilleys 12 inches by 2% inches for power,
and Ilvwheel, 22 inches for hand, should
turn 180 r.p.m.; two sizes of blades, one
for fine ice and one for coarse. Floor
space required 25 inches by 25 inches.
Shipping weight 400 pounds..each $45.00
Number 2
Opening takes a block of ice 14 inches by
15 inches, has a capacity of 4 tons of ice
per hour. Fast and loose pulleys for
power, 14 inches by 3% inches, also fiy-
whcei for hand. Should turn about 150
r.p.m., two sizes of blades one for fine ice
and one for coarse. Floor space required
35 inclies by 36 inches. Shipping weight
700 pounds.................each $75.00
Commercial Fishing in Lake Ontario
from Frenchman's Bay, Township of Pickering
"The numbers of game and commercial fishes in Lake Ontario began to decline as settlement
began in the Province. The Atlantic Salmon practically disappeared from Lake Ontario
during the 1880's, coincident with the accumulation effects of widespread damming of
streams for power purposes, sedimentation of spawning beds due to farming activity,
changes in water flow resulting in the removal of the forests and the drainage of source
marshes, and the discharge of municipal and industrial wastes."
- Freshwater Fishes of Easter Canada - Scott - 1954
The follo wing extracts give some idea of the quantities offish caugbt in early times and uses
made of the catches.
1792 - "The 5th Regiment have caught 100 Sturgeon and 600 Whitefish in a day
in nets". At Navy Hall, mouth of the Niagara River.
- Mrs. Simcoe's Diary of Nov. 4th
1807 - Salmon and Sturgeon fishing at Duffm's Creek which is usually open and
large enough for the reception of boats at most seasons of the year.
- Travels in Canada, George Hariot - 1807
1807 - "From Port Britain Creek, Salmon were drawn away for pig food. Three
hundred caught in one night."
- History of the Township of Hope - H. Reave
1837 - Whitefish at St. Marys - "Vast quantities cured and barrelled every Fall
and sent to the Eastern States. Not less than 8,000 barrels were shipped
last year."
- Winter Studies and Summer Rambles - A. Jameson - 1838
1869 - 70 "Whitefish so numerous that they were used as manure on fields. 90,000
taken in one haul of a seine at Wellington Beach in 1893. In 1911 over
four million pound taken."
- Canada and Its Provinces - Vol. 8
1882 - "Commercial fishing at Port Union - 2,000 lb catches of Whitefish and
Trout daily were not uncommon."
- Fact and Folklore - J.R. Spilsbury
1886 - In the spring of 1886 over five thousand Muskellunge were speared at
Cobokonk during the running season. One man alone disposed of fifty on
the 24th of May.
- County of Victoria Centennial History - Kirkconnel
Page 1
i
Early commercial fishermen at Frenchman's Bay:
1831 - A brother of Reuben Parker of York had allowed a man named Goodwin to
use the beach for fishing and he, Goodwin had also erected a fishing shanty
on the beach!
1849 - 50 James Elliot had used the beach for fishing and erected a shanty used partly
as a lodging and partly as a cooper's shop and that he, Elliot employed 14
men.
z
1862 - Salisbury Wright is listed on the Pickering Townships Assessment Roll as a
fisherman.
1871 - On the 1871 Census are listed the following fishermen:
John Burell, John Fisher, Abraham Stoner, Wm. McCourt,
Salisbury Wright
The 1871 Census also lists a Robert Fulton, age 62, from Scotland, as a Ships
Chandler who manufactured oars made from white ash which would be used
by fishermen among others.
Some of the commercial fishermen from Frenchmen's Bay in the early 1900's were as
follows:
J. Avis, W.W. Sparks, T. Mansfield, C. Mansfield, A. Corman, A. Fletcher,
F. Fletcher, R. Hill, J. O'Brien, William O'Brien.
The O'Briens sold their business to Gordon Brown of Toronto about 1935-36.
In the late 1940's or early 50's, 3 fishing boats from Port Credit came to operate out of the
Bay. They were the Loroca, Marion and Audrey Jean. The latter was owned by Charlie
Joyce and Nels Anderson.
In the late 1950's and early 60's an Estonian family by the name of Abe did some
commercial fishing out of Frenchman's Bay.
` & 2 Parker & Elliot 1 UCCP 470
The beach referred to is the west beach, Lot 24, BF, Range II
Page 2
Extracts from the Pickering News
1882 - Feb. Fishing licenses: Licenses heretofore granted for fishing in the Harbours
of Whitby and Frenchman's Bay will in future extend only to the 1st of
April.
1882 - July 14 Mr. Thomas Mansfield of Frenchman's Bay caught a sturgeon last
Tuesday that measured 5 1/2 ft in length.
1888 - Nov. 16 A large number of fishermen from near Hamilton have settled at
Frenchman's Bay for the winter, and are building shanties. They have
boats and nets and are going extensively into lake fishing, having already
made some big hauls.
1889 - Grand Trunk Railway fishing and hunting guide: Mention made of
fishing at Frenchman's Bay: pike, catfish, black bass, sunfish and perch,
best months being August and September. Guides $1.50 per day. Boats
$1.50 per day.
1890 - May 2 Mr. Mansfield's license for netting pike in Frenchman's Bay cancelled.
The Government intends to set Pickering Harbour apart for sport fishing.
1890 - July 4
1891 - May 15 About 400 smoked fish stolen from Mr. Wright's smoke -house.
1910 - Oct. 1 The offenders who were charged with a breach of the Lord's Day Act by
fishing on Frenchman's Bay a week ago last Sunday pleaded guilty before
Magistrate Harper on Friday last and were fined for the offence.
Whitefish caught by John & William O'Brien fishing out of Frenchman's Bay.Boathouse
and net reels were at the West end of Commerce Street.
1921
- 7,624 lbs
1922
- 4,329 "
1923
- 8,865 "
1924
- 4,178 "
1925
- 2,400 "
1926
- 4,612 "
In 1923 the catch sold for an average of 110 per lb.
Page 3
t
Pickering News
July 4, 1890
The local Board of Health
have passed the following
resolution, which they intend
to carry out to the very letter:
"That after the 14th day of
July, A.D., 1890, no fish shall
be cleaned or cured at the
Village of Fairport, in the
Township of Pickering, except
in houses built expressly for
that purpose and situated on
the beach dividing the
Frenchman's Bay from the
lake, at a distance of three
rods from high water mark.
And that all decayed fish and
offal from fish shall be buried
at least two feet below the
surface of the ground, within
twelve hours after landing
said fish. And that the said
houses shall be kept clean and
regularly disinfected so as to
prevent any unhealthy odour
arising therefrom. And that
any party wishing to erect
such a house must apply for
permission from one of the
Sanitary Inspectors of this
township and give exact loca-
tion of said proposed house,
and receive permission of the
said Sanitary Inspector before
commencing to clean or cure
any fish in said house. And
that ten copies of this resol-
ution be printed in quarter
sheet form and posted in the
Village of Fairport and
vicinity." Any person or
persons neglecting or refusing
to comply with the above
resolution , shall be liable,
upon conviction, to a penalty
of not less than $5, nor more
than $50. See section 18 of
the by-law respecting Public
Health, chapter 38, R S O,
1887.
W