Heritage Port Stanley

Annual General Meeting
2026-01-29 13:30 (America/Toronto) | 239 Colborne St, 239 Colborne St, London, ON N6B 2S4, Canada, London, Ontario, N6B 2S4, Canada
Heritage Port Stanley
Annual Meeting

Thursday, January 29, 2026 – 1:30 p.m.
Port Stanley United Church

Attendance: 37 (36 members and 1 guest)
Chair David Russell opened the meeting at 1:30 and welcomed everyone.
Nora Sanders shared the land acknowledgement.
Adoption of the Minutes – November 27, 2025
Moved by Richard Haddow and seconded by Al Slater that the minutes be approved as circulated.
Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report
Anne Kent presented the annual treasurer’s report. Current balance in the general account is $1284.85 with two GICs of $8000 and $3000 due February 10.
Moved by Kathy McNeil, seconded by Bronwyn Fitz-James that the report be adopted as presented.
Motion carried.
Proposed Constitutional Amendments
Nora explained the reasons behind the amendments and read the proposed amendments that had been circulated to all prior to the meeting.
Motion: That the following amendments be made to the Constitution of Heritage Port Stanley:
a) In section 5 a., remove the words, “of promotion and social media” and add in that same place the words, “at large”;
b) In Section 6.3, add at the end of the section, the following sentence,
“Correspondence sent by email is deemed to be included in the definition of written correspondence.”;
c) Amend s. 6.5 to read,
“Director at Large. The director at large shall serve as part of the executive, promoting and supporting the activities of the organization according to the projects and needs of the time.”;
d) At the end of s. 8, replace the words, “for the following year”, with the words, “as needed”.
Moved by Nora Sanders, seconded by June Ayrhart.
Motion carried.
Election of Director at Large
David called for nominations and Craig Cole nominated Janice Mann. After calling three times for any other nominations, Richard Haddow moved that nomination be closed, seconded by Joan Clayton.
David declared Janice Mann elected and welcomed her to the executive.
Executive Update
Nora noted that she and David were presenting the group’s heritage videos at a Lunch and Learn on March 19 at Port Stanley United Church. Everyone is welcome. This will help spread the word throughout the community.
Anne Kent and Ted Halwa are revising the walking tour brochure, preparing both a website version and a new printed edition. Nora and David are leading another walking tour for the West Elgin Walking Club and encouraged members to attend to learn about the tours so they can guide in the future.
David mentioned that the group is preparing a sign inventory for all heritage signs in Port Stanley, with Robert Langlois volunteering to help with this effort. The group has also offered to help with the Oneida commemoration of their landing in Port Stanley on October 9.
Nora noted that a working group is reviewing the postcard collection and that anyone is welcome to participate. Sally will send out notices of the working group meetings. Dave shared that additional oral histories have been completed.
Annual Memberships
Memberships remain $20 and should be paid by the February meeting. Membership cards will be distributed following that meeting.
Heritage Question of the Month
The lighthouse is one of the many designated buildings in Port Stanley and Central Elgin. How is its designation different from the rest?
Answer: It was designated by the Federal Government under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act before being transferred to Central Elgin ownership. Ted Halwa explained it as no one knew the answer.
Tentative Future Meetings

Date
Location
Topic
Speaker

February 26
PS United Church
Netting the Waters
Movie

March 26
TBA
Agnes Hepburn Papers
Sally Martyn

April 23
TBA
The McKee Treaty and Local Indigenous History
Nora Sanders

Heritage Announcements
The Elgin Historical Society March meeting features James Reaney speaking on Music in Port Stanley. Check their website at elginhistoricalsociety.ca.
Steve Peters is speaking on Jumbo at the Elgin County Heritage Centre on March 11. Check with the centre for the time.
On Saturday, March 7, the Sparta & District Historical Society is hosting their annual potluck supper and games night at the Sparta Church Museum. There will be crokinole, as well as board games and cards. Potluck at 6:30 (bring your own dishes and cutlery and one food item to share) with games to follow.
Feature Presentation – Steve Peters
Steve shared many stories and historical facts about Port Stanley through artifacts from his extensive personal collection. Having lived in St. Thomas since 1959, much of his collection focuses on St. Thomas, but he also has many items relating to Port Stanley. He fondly remembered family trips to Port and the strong sulphur smell near Moore Water Gardens.
He began collecting old bottles as a youth and continues today. He joked about what might become of his large collection and said he would never let his sister get her hands on it. Some items have been donated to the Elgin Heritage Centre.
He passed around a native spearhead found just north of Port Stanley and discussed the naming of Kettle Creek using maps from the book Ontario’s History in Maps. The creek appeared on maps as early as 1660. One map showed it was a five-hour walk from the Oneida settlement to Port Stanley via Kettle Creek Road. He recounted that fur trader David Ramsey landed here, marched north, killed one Indigenous man and two women, and scalped them.
Steve described proposed canal projects by Ermatinger and another individual that were never realized. Talbot first visited the area in the 1790s with Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe and later asked for 5000 acres from the Duke of Cumberland in this area.
He passed around postcards, including aerial photo cards by Billy Bishop. One featured the Fraser House, purported to have the longest bar in Canada. He displayed a creamer featuring the Fraser House and noted that he had donated several pieces of china with Fraser House images to the Elgin County Heritage Centre. He also showed the Clifton Hotel parking sign that he acquired when the hotel burned.
Other items included a milk pint jar from Jones Jersey Dairy and a butter carton from Chestnut Grove Dairy, both from Port Stanley. He also spoke about MacKies dating to 1911 and a 5 cent token which he passed around, as well as a flat beach stone inscribed by Nettie Simons in July 1891 and an L&PS lock key. He showed a tintype photograph of the beach by Fred Loftus, a local beach photographer.
He read a humorous newspaper excerpt from 100 years ago refusing women in beach attire from coming downtown. He spoke about the plank road built from London to Port Stanley between 1844 and 1846. He showed a photo of a massive flood in 1901 and a young girl’s photo album containing pictures of Port. He mentioned the sinking of the Bessemer, a vessel 364 feet long and 54 feet wide that sank in a storm and has never been found.
Steve spoke about the Hopkins Casino (dance hall) (1909–1932), the L&PS Pavilion (including a 1926 popcorn box), and the Port Stanley Ballroom (dance pass from 1938), later known as the Stork Club (1951). More recent topics included the Kettle Creek Queen tour boat, the Kettle Creek Canvas Company, and the New Coal Company.
David thanked Steve for his interesting stories, all represented by artifacts in his collection. He thanked him for being a collector, noting that much history would be lost without collectors.
The meeting adjourned at 3:15.
Next Meeting: February 26 at 1:30 p.m. at Port Stanley United Church.
Secretary: Sally Martyn
Chair: David Russell

Heritage Christmas Party @ Alma Villa
2025-12-11 13:30 - 17:00 (America/Toronto) | Alma Villa, 201 Lakeview St, Port Stanley, Ontario, N5L 1A1, Canada
Celebrate the season with our Heritage Christmas Party at Alma Villa, a warm and festive gathering that brought together members, friends, and the community to share holiday cheer. Set in the historic charm of Alma Villa, the evening featured great conversation, seasonal treats, and a joyful atmosphere as we reflected on the year’s achievements and celebrated the spirit of togetherness.

Balaclava St. School Tour
2025-12-10 | Balaclava St. School, 20 Balaclava St, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3C2, St. Thomas, Ontario, N5P 3C2, Canada
Balaclava St. School Tour was a visit organized by Heritage Port Stanley to explore historical sites in the surrounding region, including St. Thomas. While outside Port Stanley, the visit reflects our ongoing mission to document, preserve, and celebrate the heritage of southwestern Ontario, connecting communities, people, and stories that have shaped the region over time.
Some of our members and also some guests were able to attend this wonderful tour led by MJ Ferriman from Indwell.

Port Stanley Dickens Day Parade
2025-11-29 | Ontario
The Port Stanley Dickens Day Parade brought the community together for an evening of holiday cheer, featuring festive floats, seasonal music, and classic small-town charm. Visitors enjoyed the warm atmosphere, twinkling lights, and joyful spirit that mark the start of the holiday season in Port Stanley.

Port Stanley’s Industrial Harbour
2025-11-27 13:30 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Riva, 191 Carlow Rd, Port Stanley, Ontario, N5L 1B6, Canada
Meeting Highlights
Chair David Russell opened the meeting at 1:30 PM and welcomed everyone. Nora Sanders shared the land acknowledgement.

Minutes Approved: The October 23 meeting minutes were approved as circulated.
Treasurer’s Report:Presented by Anne Kent.

General account balance: $1,644.85
GICs: $8,000 and $3,000The report was adopted as presented.

Executive Update

Website improvements are ongoing, with additional historic postcards being added.
Smaller discussion-focused meetings will be introduced for members interested in deeper conversation.
Four new oral histories have been recorded (Skip Taylor, Steve Martin, Carmen Speers, and Bob Hubert) and will be edited using grant funding.
Repairs to heritage signage are being reviewed.
The walking tour is being updated.
An Indigenous presentation is being planned in conjunction with PSVA.
Members were reminded of Heritage Port Stanley’s participation in the upcoming parade.

Constitution Update
A proposed change will rename the Director of Promotion and Social Media position to Director at Large, along with minor editorial revisions. These changes will be voted on at the Annual Meeting. Members are encouraged to consider volunteering for this role.
Upcoming Meetings

Date
Location
Topic
Speaker

December 11
Alma Villa
Getting to Know Each Other
All

January 29
PSFT
Vignettes of Port Stanley
Steve Peters

Heritage Question of the Month
Question: What was the original use of this building and what is unique about its construction?Answer: It was a customs building for non-Canadian ships. It is uniquely constructed entirely of concrete and built like a bridge. The only other building in Canada of the same construction style is the Queen’s Quay Terminal in Toronto.Winner: Robert Langlois
Heritage Announcements

Jane Austen 250th Birthday Celebration:Hosted with the help of Joan Clayton on Saturday, December 13.

2:00 PM at Lake House Books
Followed by a wine and cheese reception at the original Mitchell House on George Street
Screening of Persuasion

Feature Presentation
Speaker: Dan McNeilTopic: The Naval History of Port Stanley and Its Role in Canada’s Naval Story
Dan McNeil presented a richly illustrated talk tracing Port Stanley’s connections to Canadian naval history. Highlights included:

Early international shipping through Port Stanley
Artifacts such as an ice-clearing sail mallet and a historic anchor
Naval vessels including the Petrel, Vigilant, Elsie Doris, and HMCS Sackville
The Rush-Bagot Treaty and Port Stanley’s role in naval peacekeeping
The Ojibwe submarine and challenges posed by Lake Erie seiches
Historic naval traditions, surveillance tools, and ship models

Robert Langlois also displayed his detailed model of a 1942 corvette.
Closing
Chair David Russell thanked Dan McNeil for his engaging presentation. Attendees had the opportunity to view the model corvette before the meeting adjourned at 2:50 PM.

Interview Videos: Voices of Port Stanley
2025-10-23 13:30 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Alma Villa, 201 Lakeview St, Port Stanley, Ontario, N5L 1A1, Canada
Meeting at the historic Alma Villa, David Russell and Nora Sanders will share excerpts from Heritage Port Stanley’s oral history interviews, capturing memories of long-term Port Stanley residents to bring local history to life.
Heritage Port Stanley
Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025 1:30
Alma Villa, 201 Lakeside Dr.
Attendance 35 ( 31 members and 4 guests)
Chair David Russell opened the meeting at 1:30 and welcomed everyone.
Nora Sanders shared the land acknowledgement and explained the reason for it.

Adoption of the Minutes of September 25 meeting: Moved by Richard Haddow and seconded by Anne McPhail that the minutes be approved as circulated and the motion carried.
Treasurer’s report: Anne Kent presented the treasurer’s report: Current balance in the general account is $2304.85 with two GICs of $8000 and $3000. A $300 donation was made to PSTR and $102 in book sales was collected. Moved by Joan Clayton, seconded by Laurie Nagge that the report be adopted as presented. The motion carried.
Executive Update: David and Nora noted the web site was up but still had errors to be corrected and thanked those that had offered suggestions for corrections or improvements. Work is progressing on the updating of the walking tour brochure. The heritage interview videos are now available. Members are encouraged to think about whether there are topics that they would like to learn about in future meetings, and/or topics that they would like to research and report on.
November meeting at Riva: We need to know by mid November if members are planning to have lunch at Riva before the meeting. There will be limited options but will include pizza and salads. Please let Sally Martyn know if you are coming for lunch at 12:00. The regular meeting will start at 1:30.
Heritage Question of the Month
Question: Who built Alma Villa and in what year? Nancy Moore (as well as Craig Cole) knew it was built by James Duffield in 1916.
Tentative Future meetings:
date location topic Speaker
November 27 Riva Industrial harbour Dan McNeil
December 11 Alma Villa getting to know each other All
Heritage Announcements
Craig Cole and Janice Mann will work with Mahesh to get the post cards up on the web site and catalogued in an easily searched form.
Sally announced there were just a few tickets left for the fall heritage feast in Sparta November 8th featuring 1952 and the Stork Club with an 8 piece brass band and food of the period.
Feature Presentation:
Nora and David introduced the 10 edited videos from the first year and showed us brief excerpts from each video. The order was Katie Valentine, Sally Martyn, John (Blutch) Moore, Bob Shewan, Don Bell and Len Gilbert together, Craig Cole, Laurie Nagge, John Smith, Sharon Larmour and Bob Nemett. Everyone seemed to enjoy seeing these videos and thanked Nora and David for all their work making the videos. To watch the full version of each go to our website heritageportstanley.ca. On the website go to Heritage and History then to Heritage Gallery. It was noted with appreciation that funding from the Municipality of Central Elgin has been received to help with the editing costs.

The meeting adjourned at 2:48.
The next meeting is November 27 at Riva with Dan McNeil speaking on the Industrial Harbour. (See note above concerning lunch and times)
Secretary: Sally Martyn
Chair: David Russell
For the full minutes of the meeting, please click here: Meeting Minutes
Excerpts from the first 10 videos: Video Link

The L&PS Railway
2025-09-25 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Toronto) | Port Stanley Terminal Rail, 309 Bridge St, Port Stanley, Ontario, N5L 1C5, Canada
Take a step back in time to learn about the London & Port Stanley Railway, the vital link that transformed Port Stanley into a thriving transportation link between harbour and land. Presenters will be Ben and Bradley Roberts, active volunteers with the Port Stanley Terminal Rail.
Here are the key points from Ben and Bradley Roberts’ presentation on the London and Port Stanley (L&PS) Railway:

Speakers and Topic: The presentation was given by Ben Roberts (father) and Bradley Roberts (son) about the history of the L&PS railway. Bradley displayed photos while Ben spoke.
Station Locations: Ben provided the exact location of White’s Station and specified that the station at the County Building was named Craft Station. The trains were very busy at both stations during the 1940s, serving the RCAF training station.
Establishment and Duration: The L&PS started in 1853 by the London Railroad Company and ran until 1966 when it was bought out by CN.
Construction: It took three years to lay the 24.6 miles of track. Laborers from Scotland and Ireland performed the work.
First Run and Power: The first train ran on July 6, 1856, from the Richmond and Bathhurst Station in London to the Beach Station in Port Stanley. It was powered by diesel locomotives.
Freight and Ferry Service: A freight terminal at the lake edge allowed freight cars to be loaded directly onto a ferry. Lumber from Canada was shipped to the USA, and coal was shipped from the USA to Canada.
Passenger Experience: At the Beach Station, passengers could take the incline railway up to picnic hill for 5 cents. The incline railway cars are currently in St. Thomas at the Railway Museum, with a possible eventual return to Port Stanley.
1887 St. Thomas Accident: A severe accident in St. Thomas saw a freight train hit an L&PS passenger train, resulting in 27 fatalities. This led to the installation of a BX tower.
BX Tower Restoration: The BX tower is still standing, though the CN tore out the tracks. After the key was recently found following the death of the last worker, Charlie Beckett, St. Thomas is planning to restore the tower as a tourist attraction.
Zavitz Bridge: The Zavitz bridge, just north of Port Stanley, was unaffected when it was hit by a tornado in 1990; the tornado “just bounced off.”
Electrification and Profitability: In 1913, Sir Adam Beck, Mayor of London, decided to electrify the L&PS, paid for by the city. This made the train highly profitable from the 1920s to the 1940s.
Specialized Electric Cars: Special electric passenger cars were ordered, featuring Tiffany glass and being twice as long as regular cars. They had driving abilities at both ends, eliminating the need for a turntable. Even-numbered cars were powered, and odd-numbered cars were trailers.
Post-War Decline: Freight service slowed after the war. Passenger tour trains began in 1956, but all regular passenger service stopped in 1957 due to the rise of car ownership.
CN Takeover and Abandonment: Freight service continued until 1966 when CN bought the line and tore out all the electrical towers. CN continued to service the Ford plant and grain silos in Port Stanley. Train service was ultimately abandoned by CN in 1976 following a major washout north of Union.
PSTR Revival: After five years of negotiations, the Port Stanley Terminal Rail (PSTR) purchased the section from St. Thomas to Port Stanley. Service, run entirely by volunteers, began in June 1984 from the Bridge Station to St. Thomas.
PSTR Rolling Stock: The PSTR restored the old station and owns the original electric box cabs L1 and L5, along with several passenger cars, including the 1937 passenger car the meeting was held in.

Conclusion: David thanked Ben and Bradley for their presentation and gave them a donation for the PSTR for preserving Port Stanley’s history.
For the full minutes of the meeting, please click here: Meeting Minutes

Moore Water Gardens Tour
2025-07-24 13:30 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Moore Water Gardens, 4683 Sunset Dr, Port Stanley, Ontario, N5L 1J4, Canada
Join Farley See on-site for a special guided tour of Moore Water Gardens, where aquatic plants have been cultivated for nearly a century. Discover the history of the Moore family’s innovation and how the gardens evolved from hand-dug ponds to a renowned horticultural business.

Settlement of Erie Rest
2025-06-26 13:30 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Laurie Nagge Home, 468 West Edith Cavell, Port Stanley, Ontario, N5L 1G9, Canada
Explore the rich story of Erie Rest, one of Port Stanley’s early coastal communities. Hosted at her home, Laurie Nagge shares personal research and historical records that highlight the lives and legacy of this lakeside settlement.
Heritage Port Stanley
Thursday, June 26, 2025 1:30
Laurie Nagge’s Home, 468 West Edith Cavell
Attendance 36 ( 35 members and 1 guest)
Chair David Russell opened the meeting at 1:30 and welcomed everyone.
Nora Sanders shared the reason for land acknowledgements
Adoption of the Minutes of May 22 meeting: Moved by Bronwyn Fitz-James and seconded by Anne McPhail that the minutes be approved as circulated and the motion carried.
Treasurer’s report: Anne Kent presented the treasurer’s report: Current balance in the general account is $3970.81 with two GICs of $8000 and $3000. Moved by Craig Cole, seconded by Barb Cookson that the report be adopted as presented. The motion carried.
Executive Update: Nora outlined the work on the web site and that it was progressing nicely and should be up in the next few weeks. Everyone will be notified when it is up and are asked to read through it carefully for errors and suggestions
Report on Oral Histories: Dave explained that two videos have been edited and we have a proposal to have them edited for $60 each. Motion: That we approve $1000 for the editing of the videos which will cover more than 15 videos. Moved by Bronwyn Fitz-James, seconded by Joan Clayton and carried. If you know others who should be interviewed please email them with suggestions to (dave3000@bell.net or norahome@rogers.com)
Heritage Village Presentations: All who took part felt it was a success once the rain stopped. Dave thanked the participants and Katie Valentine and Nora Sanders for the lunches provided..
Heritage Question of the Month Question: What was the original entrance to the Erie Rest area? Both Joan Clayton and Craig Cole felt it was the walkway bridge from Fraser Heights. Craig even brought a photo of the walkway bridge. Sally explained that it had still been there until about 7 years ago. The actual entrance was River Road which comes off George Street and used to go right through to the lake. It ran under the walkway Craig and Joan named.
Tentative Future meetings:

Date
Location
Topic
Speaker

July 24, 2025
Moore Water Gardens
Tour
Farley See

Sept 25, 2025
PSTR Station
History of the L&PS
Ben and Bradly (7:00 PM)

Oct 23, 2025
Alma Villa
Interview Videos
Nora & David

Nov 27, 2025
Riva
Industrial Harbour
Dan McNeil

Heritage Announcements
Joan Clayton invited everyone to a Heritage Summer Party at her home on Mitchell Heights on David Russell invited everyone to his place on Canada Day for a party at 6:00 pm Laurie Nagge showed a poster done by Candy McManiman and asked if anyone would be interested in purchasing one if she could get them reprinted. Several expressed an interest.
Feature Presentation: Laurie Nagge
Laurie told the history of the original Pollyanna Cottage which belonged to her great grandfather Charlie McCorckle. Charlie came to Canada from Ireland somewhere between 1898 and 1908 and built his cottage on the hillside below Front Street. Rustico was to the west of it and Dr. Hutchinson’s cottage to the east. She showed the group a diagram of the cottage and its layout. There was a gravel road in front of it. She shared her memories of the cottage and how it got hot water and a bath tub in the 1950s, how you had to go outside to the porch to get to the washroom, and that grey water (wash water, shower water etc. but not sewage) just ran into the ravine beside it through a pipe. Her great grandfather owned all the land to the lake’s edge. It eventually became her mother’s cottage and after her marriage breakup she sold the cottage but in 1980 for Easter she gave Laurie and her sister, Janice the two lots below the cottage where they each built a cottage of their own. Janice eventually sold hers but Laurie and Charlie still live in Laurie’s.
Minor variances were needed all over the area and places were built without surveys and often crossed property lines. Others started to build in 1943 using Stanley Park as a place to leave their vehicles and walked to their cottages along the sandy lane towing the food, clothing, etc. in wagons. There are several private right of ways to the lake from the cottages back of the road and much of the land to the beach is privately owned. The road originally was gravel and ran right in front of the cottages but it was so dusty that it was moved further south. One of the owners put up a gate in 1958 to block the traffic to the east end where the curve is now. West Edith Cavell was paved around 1994.
Laurie shared photos of her early days at the cottage and photos of the cottage. Her great grandfather’s cottage was torn down a few years ago. Laurie invited the attendees to tour her current Pollyanna cottage named for her mother Polly Plastow.

David thanked her for the great presentation and adjourned the meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 2:45. And the tour of the house followed.
The next meeting is July 24 with a walking tour of Moore Water Gardens with Farley See. It will be a tour only with no business meeting.
Secretary: Sally Martyn
Chair: David Russell

June Heritage Day in Port Stanley
2025-06-21 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Toronto) | Windjammer Inn, 324 Smith St, Port Stanley, Ontario, N5L 1C6, Canada
Heritage Port Stanley members, dressed in historical attire, welcomed visitors at key locations around the village. They shared local stories and historical facts, bringing Port Stanley’s rich past to life for the community.
Windjammer (Original Sam Shepherd’s Home)Hosted by Barbara and LaurieDiscussions centered on the Shepherd family history and current services. The covered porch provided shelter from the rain.
Telegraph HouseHosted by Dave Russell and Joan ClaytonVisitors came after the rain stopped and engaged with the hosts about the history of the house.
Pier & Lighthouse InterpretationHosted by Ted Halwa and Nora SandersVisitors visited the lighthouse and learned about its history, architecture, and earlier lighthouses. Nora encouraged taking group photos at each interpretation site for the website.
Bridge & Main StreetsSummer student Drake McLenaghan dressed in military costume and distributed flyers with eight heritage locations to encourage exploration.
Morrow House on Colborne StreetSally Martyn explained the architecture and history of this very early Port Stanley home.
St. John’s Presbyterian ChurchHosted by Penny Moore and Helen Albert, who told visitors about the history of this historic church.
Livery StableHosted by Anne Kent and Bronwyn Fitz-James, who told the history of this early building, originally serving as a livery stable when horses were the main means of transport.
Harbour HouseHosted by Mike Baker and Nancy Moore, who highlighted the history of the building from its early use for fishing net mending and storage, to later serving as the site of the Kettle Creek Canvas Company.
King George VI Lift BridgeHosted by Richard Haddow and John Morrow, who shared stories about the construction of the bridge in 1939 and the tragic loss of some workers during its construction.

The Mill and Log Cabins: A Legacy Rebuilt
2025-05-29 13:30 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | The Old Mill and Log Cabins, 4118 Thomas Rd, Port Stanley, Ontario, N5L 1J2, Canada
John Smith welcomed the group to the old Mill and log cabins and shared the remarkable story of how his father, Teskey Smith, relocated the mill from its original site in Selbourne twice and brought together two log cabins from different locations. Together, they were reassembled at this scenic spot overlooking Lake Erie, preserving a piece of the region’s early heritage.
Key Points from John Smith’s Presentation
Overview & Mill History

The mill was originally built in 1831 and changed ownership multiple times.
Teskey Smith (John’s father) bought it in 1949 to convert into a family cottage.
It was dismantled and moved by Floyd Gilbert to Harrison Street (then Victoria Street), and rebuilt in 1950, originally 300 feet from the lake cliffs.
By 1955, erosion brought it within 100 feet, prompting a second move.

Second Relocation

The mill was moved again across frozen farm fields over two winters by Norman Brookes.
It was vandalized during the year it sat en route to the new location.

Log Cabins & Family Use

In 1962, Teskey found a log cabin in Tavistock, paid $100, dismantled and moved it. He organized a “cabin raising bee” to reassemble it, and the following year, a “chinking bee” with Teskey mixing materials in large tubs. Later, a washroom and small kitchen were added. Teskey and Teen moved in, and the mill was left to the children.

Second Log Cabin

In 1972, Teskey bought a two-storey log cabin from the New Dundee golf course area for $500 and hired Mennonite builders to reconstruct it. He sold his farm near Kitchener to finance his retirement. Teskey and Teen lived in this new structure.

Family Transition

John and Lois took possession of the Mill after the death of Teskey and Teen and later moved into the log cabins as their permanent home. The mill was later transferred to their daughter.

Windows & Contributions

Windows came from demolished buildings during Toronto’s Yonge Street subway construction.
Bob Fish was acknowledged for his craftsmanship at several stages of the renovations.

Growing in Water: The Legacy of Moore Water Gardens
2025-04-24 13:30 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Moore Water Gardens, 4683 Sunset Dr, Port Stanley, Ontario, N5L 1J4, Canada
At the April 2025 Heritage Port Stanley meeting, Farley See shared the rich, multi-generational story of Moore Water Gardens, one of Port Stanley’s most unique and enduring businesses. From swampy beginnings to a thriving wholesale nursery, Farley’s presentation traced the evolution of the gardens through rare photos, family history, and industry innovation—offering new insight into a beloved local landmark.
Key Points from the Presentation:

Moore Water Gardens was established by Monte Moore, son of John Moore, who originally purchased the swampy land.
Monte had polio as a child—gentle steps at the business were designed to accommodate him.
He studied Entomology in Florida and developed an interest in water plants.
Married Isabelle Keen—both families had Port Stanley cottages—and built their home on East Road.
Monte constructed cement-framed ponds down the hillside for growing aquatic plants.
The business formally began selling water plants in 1932.
Early operations focused on mail orders; today, it’s largely wholesale to garden centers.
Farley passed around catalogues dating from the 1930s to the 1980s.
Photos showed the original greenhouse layout, ponds, and business growth over time.
During the pandemic, they paused fish sales due to lack of overseas stock, but plan to restart in 2025 with Canadian suppliers.
Farley showed an original fish shipping container used via the L&PS Railway, designed with a compartment for ice to keep fish cool during transport.
Also presented: a unique oak lily planter that sinks to the pond bottom.
The original cement ponds still exist, though much of the cement has worn over time.
The presentation generated strong audience engagement, especially from those who hadn’t yet visited the gardens.

Letters from the Past: The Life of Sam Shepard at Windjammer
2025-03-27 13:30 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Windjammer Inn, 324 Smith St, Port Stanley, Ontario, N5L 1C6, Canada
At the March 2025 meeting, held inside the historic Windjammer house, the audience was treated to a theatrical and heartfelt portrayal of Sam Shepard, a prominent 19th-century figure in Port Stanley’s history. Craig Cole, performing in character, brought Shepard’s life and letters to vivid life—revealing personal love stories, early trade ventures, political tensions, and moments of national mourning through documents found in his old home.
Key Points from the Presentation:

Craig Cole appeared as Sam Shepard, wearing the original Shepard top hat, traditionally awarded to the first ship into the Port Stanley harbour each spring.
The performance was set at Windjammer, the home Sam and his wife Mary built and where the letters were said to be discovered in an old desk drawer.
Shepard’s letters spanned from 1863 to 1871, and included correspondence to:

His wife Mary, expressing deep affection and family concerns.
His business partner Yarington, who had moved to Nevada and invited Shepard to join him.

Shepard shared frustrations about profit margins from grain deals and confessed to buying gold with his earnings, which didn’t always yield returns.
The letters gave insight into travel expenses in Chicago, including:

$3/day for a hotel room
$0.15 for a shave or boot polishing
Cigars for $0.03

Historical side notes included:

The first dried apples shipped to England by Shepard.
Henry Bostwick, son of John Bostwick, drowned in Lake Tahoe after also relocating to Nevada.
A Port Stanley procession honoring President Lincoln after his assassination.

Local fears surrounding Fenian raids in the region.
Occasional trips aboard the Mary Rose, the family’s ship.
Sam and Mary Shepherd had two sons: John and Francis (Frank).
Yarington’s extravagant wedding and their political commentary, especially regarding Sam Price, the local Justice of the Peace, were also included in the readings.
The event concluded with applause for Craig Cole’s engaging, informative, and imaginative storytelling.

Art Grayling & The Evolution of Port Stanley’s Fishing Industry
2025-02-27 13:30 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Port Stanley Festival Theatre – Harbourview Room, 6-302 Bridge Street, Port Stanley, Ontario, N5L 1C3, Canada
In this engaging presentation, historian Mike Baker shared an interview by George Thorman with lifelong Port Stanley fisherman Art Grayling. Through rare photos and firsthand accounts, the audience was given a deep look into the local fishing industry, its challenges, and how Art and his family navigated decades of change on water and at the dock.
You can view the full interview here: https://www.elginhistoricalsociety.ca/node/74
Key Points from the Presentation:

Art began fishing as a young boy in small boats on Kettle Creek, later becoming a full-time professional fisherman.
Over the years, he owned a series of boats: starting with a handmade wooden boat, then larger wooden tugs, and eventually metal boats like the Noskca-J, Stanley Clipper, and LeeJay.
Gill nets were introduced after his father got a license. Nets evolved from cotton and linen to nylon and eventually microfilament, which didn’t rot when wet.
Ice cutting was a crucial winter task. Ice was taken from the harbour and stored beside the fish house before Art installed an ice machine in 1964.
In 1962, Art launched the Noskca-J by dragging it over the frozen harbour to reach open water, catching 12 tons of fish in three days.
Art opened the Grayling Fish Store at 174 Main Street in 1973. Initially, customers picked whole fish themselves, but preferences shifted to pre-filleted fish.
Fish were handled multiple times before sale, explaining the $3.00/lb price.
Art discussed the decline of whitefish and herring populations due to poor survival rates without hatchery support. Perch have better spawning conditions.
A mercury scare in 1970 devastated local fish sales, despite no actual contamination in the Great Lakes.
The high cost of fishing tugs and equipment was detailed—highlighting economic challenges.
Art’s daughter Heather and grandson Jason shared family stories and contributed many of the historic photos used in the presentation.

The Settlement of Orchard Beach: Cottages, Community & Legacy
2025-01-23 13:30 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Alma Villa, 201 Lakeview St, Port Stanley, Ontario, N5L 1A1, Canada
In January 2025, Mike Baker delivered a captivating presentation on the early settlement and cottage history of Orchard Beach, a treasured corner of Port Stanley. From the first peach orchard cottages to the families who shaped its growth, Mike’s talk brought to life the vibrant community and iconic architecture of this historic lakeside area.
Key Points from the Presentation:
The First Cottage (1883)

Built by Rev. J.W.P. Smith in a peach orchard.
Depicted in a painting by Susan McKay (now in the Port Stanley Library).
K.W. McKay and James A. Bell were involved in laying out the area formally.

Early Maps & Beach Development

Included photos and maps of the Drinkwater farm and original cottage, postcards (1910–1915) of beaches, federal groynes, and Edward Street cottages, as well as LE&DRR’s New Orchard Beach development diagrams.

Summerholme & the YWCA Legacy

Built in 1892 by the London YWCA as a girls’ summer camp in Orchard Beach.
Purchased by Don Anderson in 1950 after the camp closed.
The final YWCA invite was sent by Betty Bone of Alma College.
Current ownership: Katie (Anderson) Valentine.

Family Cottages & Notable Residents

Darch Cottage (linked to Craig Cole’s family) and Findley Cottage were featured.
John Darch’s widow operated a six-story store on Talbot Street, which was London’s tallest building at the time.

The Purdom Legacy

T.H. Purdom (ca. 1910):

Publisher of the London Advertizer
President of Savings and Loan Bank
Bought the Port–London Traction Line
Founded Northern Life Insurance
Key figure in both London business and cottage development in Orchard Beach

Alma Villa & Duffield Family

Built in 1916 by James Duffield (founder of Atlantic Petroleum).
Duffield also owned a mansion on Queen St., London; Duffield Block named after him.

The Hyman Cottage

Mr. Hyman: Ran a tannery, was an MP (1900–1907), and national tennis champion in the 1880s.
His London home is the Idlewild Inn on Grand Ave.

Pagoda Roof Cottage (1931)

Built by Florence Wood (widow of Francis Wood), inspired by a Japanese tea house and Butchart Gardens.
Later owned by John Sackville Labatt (1936) and Johnny Downs (1965).

Moore Family Connection

Shirley Wood (Florence’s daughter) married Jake (John) Moore, who became CEO of Labatt.
The Moore cottage was relocated to 165 Harrison Street.
Descendants Penny and Nancy Moore still live in Orchard Beach.

Final Reflection

Presentation concluded with a Savings and Loan Bank board photo, illustrating the deep social and economic ties among Orchard Beach’s cottage families.

Settlement of Hillcrest
2024-11-28 13:30 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Hillcrest Hilltop, Hill Street, just north of Orchard Beach, Port Stanley, Ontario, N5L 1H1, Canada
Join local historian Sally Martyn, with research support from Mike Baker, for an illuminating journey through the early development of Hillcrest—Port Stanley’s elevated district rich with pioneer stories, rare architecture, resort-era charm, and hidden histories. Through maps, rare photographs, and community lore, this talk traces the transformation of Hillcrest from 1804 land grants to the elegant Hillcrest Inn and beyond.
Key Points from the Presentation
Early Land Grant (1804)

Colonel John Bostwick received 600 acres (Concession 1 lots 1 and 2, and Concession 2 lot 1).

Historic Roads and Maps

1877 Atlas showed Prospect Street extending to the beach.
Hill Street stretched from Colborne Street up to East Road.

Bostwick House (1827)

Framed with square oak beams and filled with handmade strawberry bricks.
Rare “brick nogging” construction style, with only one other example in Ontario.

The Boulevard and Cornell Street

The Boulevard was the original road in front of the Bostwick House and other houses, but eroded over time.
Cornell Street was constructed in 1918, named after Nathan Cornell, reeve and warden.

Bishop’s House

After John Bostwick’s death in 1849, the house passed to Joseph Bostwick.
Later owned by Bishop John Walsh of London.

McQueen House

Early adobe house, rare for Ontario.
Later purchased by the Williamson family and covered in wood siding.

Cholera Hospital (1833–34)

Built by Middlesex County during the cholera epidemic.
Many victims buried on the hill; remains discovered in 1930.

Heights Auction (1875)

Thirty cottages and lots were sold on the Heights.
Streets included Observatory, Alma, Florence, and Zephyr.

Liberty Hill Club (1896)

Built by J.A. Robinson alongside the White House and rental cottages.
Included tennis courts, dining rooms, and beach access.

Meteorological Tower (around 1900)

Installed to track wind and weather patterns.
Records maintained by Manuel Payne.

Aqueduct and Mill

Aqueduct ran between the White House and Liberty Hill Club.
Supplied water to Bostwick Mill on Kettle Creek.

Hillcrest Inn Expansion (1931)

Carrie Rainier and Stan Ship expanded the Inn into a 35-room hotel.
Included dining areas and hosted notable guests.

Fire and Decline (1964)

The Inn was sold in 1950.
Destroyed by fire on December 9, 1964.

Viewpoints and Beach History

Photos showed early roads, orchards, and federal groynes improving Orchard Beach.

From Camp to Cottage: The Story of Summer Holme
2024-06-20 13:30 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Summer Holme (Valentine/Anderson Cottage), 302 Bridge S, Port Stanley, Ontario, N5L 1C3, Canada
In June, Katie Valentine shared the fascinating story of the Summer Holme cottage, a former YWCA summer camp turned cherished family home. Located in Orchard Beach, this historic structure has stood for over 130 years, evolving from a dorm-style retreat for young women into a warm, character-filled cottage lovingly preserved across generations.
Key Points from the Presentation
YWCA Origins (1891)

Built by the London YWCA as a summer camp for girls.
Constructed by John Ellison, likely linked to Christ Church.
Featured wraparound porches and rustic camp accommodations.
Operated as a camp for 60 years, until 1951.

Anderson Family Era

Purchased in 1951 by Don Anderson.
Renovated by architect George “Bud” Morley into a functional summer cottage.
Key changes included new bedrooms, a modern kitchen, and bathrooms.

Family Heritage

Furnished with antique décor and historic maps.
Kept in the Anderson family for 70 years.

Current Ownership

In 2021, ownership passed to Katie (Anderson) Valentine.
Cottage preservation was maintained per family trust instructions.
Only minor layout updates have been made for comfort.
