Bits from Bolgers Corners

Where Clayton Side Road meets Tatlock Rd is often referred to a Bolger’s Corners. On the southeast corner, the farm Bolger family in the area, William and Elizabeth Bolger and hence became known as Bolger’s Corners.

There was a little settlement in that area with the stores of John Bowes and John McWhinnie as well as the Reformed Presbyterian Church that was right at the corner, across the road from the Bolger farm.

The Methodist cemetery and site of the first Methodist Church is often considered to be part of Bolger’s Corner. Read-The Clayton Methodist Cemetery

In 1841, John Bowes bought 4 acres of NE1/2 Lot 21 Conc 1 which was next to the Methodist cemetery.  He also operated the Post Office for a short time.  There was a slot in the door as a place to leave letters for mailing. Patrick Murray, a shoemaker, once lived there and shoe lasts were found when the house was torn down many years later.  In 1850, John Bowes sold his property and moved away.

In 1842, John McWhinnie bought a piece of land, part of Lot 21, Conc2, across the road from John Bowes.  He also operated a store amongst his many activities but in 1846 he declared bankruptcy, selling his place in 1850 and moving away. The Reformed Presbyterian Church Clayton.

Also read-What is the Biggest Change in Your Lifetime? Ramsay 1979

From Whispers From The Past – History and Tales of Clayton by Rosemary Sarsfield

Whispers from the Past, History and Tales of Clayton” If you want to purchase a book please email me at rose@sarsfield.ca or call me at 613-621-9300, or go to the Clayton Store, or Mill Street Books in Almonte.

School

S.S. No. 4 Ramsay – Clayton School

Originally, there were three early schools in this area – one on second line at Clayton Lake and Beaton’s Resort, another on James Smith’s Property, Lot 21 Concession 2 at Bolger’s Corner and McMunn’s Schoolhouse was built on the corner of Lot 23, Concession 4. Bathrooms consisted of one side of a bush for the girls and the other side was for boys. Using money from the Township tavern licenses, a new school was built in 1866 by the Indian River. It was used until it became too crowded and another school was built in 1872 which had a cloakroom and two bathrooms at the back. Students put on concerts with a 10 cent admission fee in order to buy a bell and later an organ and piano.  They would try to sit near the wood stove in the wintertime,  as it was the building was not insulated. The school operated until 1969. Fred Forsythe was the last teacher when the students went to Comba and then to Naismith School in Almonte.  The former schoolhouse is now a private residence.
​photo courtesy of Hans Raffelt

This picture will stir memories for any one who was a student at Clayton School in 1958. Students in the front row have been identified as (left to right) Allan Bellamy, Brian Bolger, Bob Drynan, Stuart McIntosh and Carl Drynan. The second row students were Debbie Rintoul, Shirley LeClaire, Elaine Rath, Dorothy Drynan and Adelle Stewart. In the third row were Mary Stewart, Linda Fligg, Roger Rintoul, Bill Rintoul, Linda Drynan and Mary Rath. The back row students were Evelyn McIntosh, Morley Wark, Walter Wark, Mrs. Emily Moulton, Donnie Ladouceur, Charlie Rath and Phyllis Barr. The Photo, dated Sept. 22, 1958, was submitted by Clayton area resident Valma Bolger, student Brian Bolger’s mother.

 Photo by Tom Edwards​--This looks like dads handwriting. Would that be Ray and Fred on the wheel? Clayton–Bolger’s Corner.. Originally, there were three early schools in this area – one on second line at Clayton Lake and Beaton’s Resort, another on James Smith’s Property, Lot 21 Concession 2 at Bolger’s Corner and McMunn’s Schoolhouse was built on the corner of Lot 23, Concession 4.

Perth Courier, September 7, 1894–Tatlock:  The picnic in connection with St. Peter’s Church on Thursday of last week was a great success.  Nearly one hundred dollars was taken in.  The tables were laden with good things to eat, fit for a king.  Our ladies of Darling know how to bake and provide a sumptuous feast.  The music was furnished by the choir of the Clayton Presbyterian Church and was first class in every respect.  Mr. McIntyre with his bagpipes enlivened the day’s proceedings.  The following gentlemen gave addresses:  Rev. Mr. Smith, the pastor; Rev. Mr. McIlraith of Balderson; Robert McNair of Carleton Place; and Dr. Preston, M.P.P.  The doctor spoke quite happily and was greatly pleased to meet his Darling constituents.  Miss Katy Bolger of Clayton gave two very pretty, nice recitations and our pastor gave one entitled “The Courting of the Widow”.  The day was fine and everything passed off harmoniously.

Clayton Ontario History Photo
Howard Bolger at a beaver dam in the Clayton area. All the trees that are down in this area were cut by the beavers.-Whispers from the Past, History and Tales of Clayton” If you want to purchase a book please email me at rose@sarsfield.ca or call me at 613-621-9300, or go to the Clayton Store, or Mill Street Books in Almonte.