History of the Mitchells

Heritage Port Stanley
Meeting Minutes
Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: Mitchell House, George Street

Attendance: 39 (26 members, 13 guests)

1. Call to Order

Chair David Russell opened the meeting at 1:30 PM and welcomed everyone. Nora Sanders shared the land acknowledgement.

2. Adoption of Minutes

The minutes of the May 28, 2026 meeting were approved as circulated. Motion moved by Richard Haddow and seconded by Janice Mann. Carried.

3. Treasurer’s Report

Anne Kent presented the Treasurer’s Report.

4. Executive Update

David Russell provided an update on the incline railway cars.

Nora Sanders spoke about the heritage display at the library this summer. Mike Baker is preparing a display on the Oneida people in recognition of the October celebration marking their arrival. Nora also invited suggestions for future presentation topics.

She highlighted several new additions to the Heritage Port Stanley library located in Telegraph House. The library is located at the top of the front staircase, and the building access code is 0205.

5. Walking Tour Brochure

Anne Kent reported that the new walking tour brochures have been completed and distributed to everyone in attendance. Members expressed appreciation for the updated brochure, particularly the new illustrations.

6. June 27 Walking Tours

Sally Martyn reported that posters have been distributed and encouraged everyone to participate in one or more of the three walking tours.

Due to a funeral, Anne Kent will welcome visitors at the Kettle Creek Inn, provide an overview of the tour routes, and share some of Port Stanley’s history.

7. Heritage Question of the Month

Question: McKenzie Street was renamed about six years ago. What was it previously called, and why?

No one knew the answer. The street was formerly known as Edith Street, named after one of the Mitchell children.

As Sarah Hutchinson, the last living descendant of the Mitchell family, was present, she was presented with a copy of Hills of Gold and Silver.

8. Future Meetings

9. Heritage Announcements

There were no heritage announcements.

10. Heritage Presentation

Presenter: Dr. Joan Clayton
Topic: The Mitchell Family

Dr. Joan Clayton began by sharing the known history of the Mitchell family. The family arrived in Port Stanley in 1850 after leaving Ireland during the potato famine. Tragically, one of their ten children died during the Atlantic crossing at the age of ten.

Their son, John Mitchell, married Mary Payne, sister of Manuel Payne. In 1867, John built the Mitchell House for Mary. The couple had five children, although their daughter Charlotte died in 1870 and is believed to be buried on the property.

John and Mary both passed away in the 1920s. In 1921, John sold land, now the location of Skip Taylor’s residence, for $325. Their son Walter later built the large brick house on the corner of William and Bridge Streets. Sharon Hutchinson, a direct descendant of the Mitchell family, was present at the meeting.

Joan described Port Stanley’s golden years between 1880 and 1940, when the Mitchell family lived in the community. She spoke about the enormous picnics held on Picnic Hill, which often attracted thousands of visitors. One popular food served at these gatherings was bloater sandwiches, made from chubs that required puncturing before cooking due to trapped air.

She also shared a letter from a nearby farmer complaining about picnic visitors picking apples from his orchard.

Joan highlighted several important landmarks in Port Stanley’s history, including:

• Fraser House, built in 1871, which featured what was believed to be the longest bar in Canada and hosted many notable guests.
• Fraser’s construction of the incline railway and a watchtower.
• Mackie’s, built in 1911.
• The L&PS Dance Pavilion, built in 1926 and renamed the Stork Club in 1952.
• The lift bridge, completed in 1939, following the collapse of the coffer dam during construction in December 1938.

Joan then spoke about her personal connection to Mitchell House and the spiritual experiences she has encountered there. She read excerpts from Maggie O’Farrell’s book Land and shared memories of a theatrical production staged at the house.

Several cast members attended the presentation, including Mary, who played violin throughout portions of the talk, and members of the singing ensemble. The presentation concluded with the actors gathering on the porch to recite the play’s closing lines.

11. Adjournment

David Russell thanked Dr. Joan Clayton for her engaging presentation on the Mitchell family. A tour of the house and a social gathering followed.

The meeting adjourned at 3:00 PM.

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 22, beginning at 11:00 AM, with a train ride on the PSTR.

Secretary: Sally Martyn
Chair: David Russell