We never found out anything about ” Boot Hill” in Almonte and most said they don’t recall it existing.. but I have documented the comments for future reference.
This morning I got up and had this lovely email from Tracy Julian— The fact that someone younger than me wants to know history has spurred me on to do the very best I can.. So if you live in Almonte or have memories or history of Boot Hill please leave them in the comment section. I am so thrilled to have this emailed to me.
‘Hello Linda. My son asked me today if there was any history to the formation of the hill that is now Veteran’s Memorial Walkway in Almonte. Back in my day we used to call it Boot Hill but I thought that was because we had to “boot across it”. It does seem to be a strange geological hill formation in that area of town. If you have any information or know someone who might I’d really appreciate it. Thank you’
Almonte, like many communities in the Ottawa Valley, has a strong tradition of Remembrance, both proud and sad. The number of individuals who have heeded the call (and continue to do so) since the town was incorporated is a source of pride, and the lists of names on the cenotaph are far too long. Remembrance is literally a growing tradition here. Not far from the cenotaph is the Veteran’s Memorial Walkway, a carefully tended path lined with Red Maples, each recently planted tree adorned with a plaque naming a veteran, some still living, others departed. The project, again, is a collaborative effort in support of the Legion, and the number of trees is such that the surrounding green space is all but taken up. School children planted the trees, and are the town’s unofficial official guardians of the walkway. Almonte is a place where the tradition of Remembrance is being passed on, and where people are willing to consider and support new ways to acknowledge those who served.
Peggy Byrne Linda, the town provided the land and The Legion spearheaded the project and was responsible for the planting and providing of the plaques. The families of the Veteran named on the the plaque purchased the trees in memory of their family members.
Linda Seccaspina I was going to tag you..:) Do you know why there is a hill there.. was it man or woman made?
Tracy Julian Yes thanks Linda Seccaspina we are very proud of the Veteran’s Walkway and it’s purpose in our present day but as you said we are keen to find out if the actual hill was naturally formed or if it was man made.
Gwen Oneill Where is boot hill lived in almonte for over 45 years never heard of it
Katy Julian Gwen Oneill It’s at the end of King St
Don Raycroft Gwen Oneill I’ve lived here over 60 years and never heard it called boot hill. I grew up on St George which is just down the road and it’s always been configured like that. I’m afraid there is no mystery other than who named it boot hill.
Might be a Covid
thing.🙂
Rita Snedden I was born & raised in Almonte and never heard the name Boot Hill.
Riley McNeely My grade eight class today lasted these trees with our teacher Shannon Gray
Kaitlyn Budge Mr Grays grade 7 class (my class!) planted them! 8 years ago ☺️
Dave West A long time ago…it was a pet cemetery…unofficial of course…also the location of many crabapple wars with several casualties..LOL…grew up across from there..never called it anything else
Linda SeccaspinaDave West— how long ago was that?
Dave West Boot Hill…I think the Turd Cats named it that
Allison Vaughan Shortcut to get to my friends who lived on Naismith and Peacock and to get to the rink and Isabel Hogan’s sweets 🍭 lol
Dawn Jones Allison Vaughan yep. We country kids used that pathway to go to Izzy s store..or to the hotel for chips and gravy lunch!
Kurt Hahn Back then, neighbourhoods were much more isolated, growing up on St.George Street, I knew as many Jewish kids as Catholics, one each, because that was the neighbourhood, then we grew older and extended our locale and friends. So when people say they never heard of a name, well, it was more insular back then.
Mike Jones every time i walk my dog through there i straighten and rebend the small metal icons with their names out of respect and salute the flag since my grand father cannot
Growing on the grounds of this living memorial are 105 maples, each with a ground mounted plaque recognizing a veteran from our community.
Veteran’s Memorial Walkway
A unique joint venture between the Municipality of Mississippi Mills and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 240 Almonte, the idea of a living memorial to our veterans dates back to 2003. The local legion would sell and plant red maple trees to families who wanted to honour a veteran and the municipality would maintain the site. Currently there are more than 120 red maple trees planted along a well maintained pathway between Perth and Bridge streets. Each tree is identified with the name of the honouree (some still living, others departed) and there is a central map of the site so that families can easily find their tree.
Maples of the Veterans’ Memorial Walkway
September 19, 2014 – 7:18 pm
by Neil Carleton
The Veterans’ Memorial Walkway in Almonte, between Bridge and Perth Streets, was officially dedicated on September 23, 2006, in honour of the Year of the Veterans 2005. Special events were held across the country in 2005 and later to remember and honour the contributions and sacrifices of Canadian veterans. READ more here.. CLICK
lindaseccaspina 