Tag Archives: North lanark regional museum

Jul25

William Wylie Cabin — The House that Seniors Saved — North Lanark Regional Museum

Posted on July 25, 2022 by lindaseccaspina

PLease play while viewing photos…..

The Pioneer Log Cabin located on the grounds of the North Lanark Regional Museum has always been a popular tourist destination for many years. The cabin has not only local historical importance, but is architecturally an excellent example of rough-hewn log settler’s home. The construction is typical of log homes found across the Ottawa Valley in the early half of the 19th century.

Sadly, the cabin has been closed for almost three years owing to its state of disrepair and accessibility issues. Major repairs were required to preserve the exterior and to maintain the cabin and its contents in a safe condition.

The cabin was originally built circa 1840 on Lot 15 Concession 11 of Ramsay (near the present Almonte Roundabout), by the William Wylie Family who resided on that lot from 1837 to 1853. The building was also owned by the Lockhart Family for several generations, and finally by the Thurston Family. It was donated originally to the town of Almonte. A few years later they decided that they did not have use for it and the North Lanark Historical Society in 1983 by Don and Britt Thurston and moved to its current location. The historical society set up a committee in 1983 to oversee the cabin project, with members Grant Anderson, Helen Davidson, Stewart Drummond, Ernie Giles, Victor Kellough, Dawn Leduc, Frances McLean, Norman Paul, Jean Steel and Gerry Willard.

They cut the ribbon!!!

Stones for the fireplace and chimney came from the local Don Duncan farm. The cabin was rebuilt over the next two years with funds from a New Horizons Grant and volunteer labour from the NLHS. It opened as part of the museum in the summer of 1985 and has since been a popular attraction for visitors of all ages.

With files from The Millstone and the North Lanark Regional Museum.

The Wolfe family –we were asked as a school if we could attend and answer questions about log cabin construction historical tools and common repairs or restorations as well as anything about what we teach. I (Stuart Morrison) of the Morrison family am currently head instructor of our school and Brian and Dawn are the Owners of the Pat Wolfe Log Building School. **Stuart Morrison**—

Thanks to my BFF Kevin Mitchell from Valley Sheds for help with the new holding shed

Yesterday was the GRAND REOPENING OF THE HERITAGE CABIN

In an age where I constantly am faced with watching one older building after another torn down for new development –yesterday gave me great joy to see this building loved and finally restored. The fact that every step of the way was organized by a group of seniors from conception to end made my heart proud.

We Celebrate

Alex!!

Amy!!

DONATE

All donations will be recognized and issued a charitable tax receipt. Donations may be sent to the NHLS by regular mail or you can donate online electronically.

Donations can be made online or by cash or cheque in-person at the Museum or by mail:

North Lanark Regional Museum
P.O. Box 218
Almonte, ON
K0A 1A0

Cheques can be made payable to the North Lanark Historical Society

All you need is love, some elbow grease, and never give up. Thank you to all who did. May developers one day realize heritage matters.

Mississippi Mills Councillors John Dalgity, Bev Holmes and me Linda S…. Councillor for Carleton Place..

Mississippi Mills Deputy Mayor Rick Minnille, Councillors Jhn Dalgity and Bev Holmes

Now take the kids and family to visit this amazing log cabin

Admission fee is by donation

VISIT US

We’re on the outskirts of the pretty little village of Appleton, about 10 minutes from Almonte. The collection is always available for researchers by appointment.

HOURS

Weekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Also open weekends starting in June

CONTACT

647 River Rd, Almonte, ON K0A 1A0
613-257-8503
nlrmuseum@gmail.com

CLIPPED FROM
The Lanark Era
Lanark, Ontario, Canada24 Dec 1918, Tue • Page 8

Jul20

The Re-Opening of the North Lanark Regional Museum (Appleton) 1980

Posted on July 20, 2022 by lindaseccaspina

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The Re-Opening of the North Lanark Regional Museum (Appleton) 1980

The Doreen Drummond House was officially opened Saturday, July 19, 1980 on the site of the former North Lanark Regional Museum, near Appleton. Stewart Drummond cut the ribbon on the building named by the North Lanark Historical Society (N LH S) in memory of his late wife. Doreen Drummond House replaces the former museum building which was destroyed by fire exactly one year ago, July 19. 1979.

Tentative plans have been made by the NLHS for further expansion as finances permit. After a drive to the museum before her death Mrs Drummond had requested her sons help the Historical Society in their efforts to replace the museum building. Drummond Brothers Limited found a building 44 feet by 22 feet, completely insulated, the wall-to-wall carpeted floor reinforced with three full-length steel beams.

The building had been used as a mobile office by the Campeau Corporation of Ottawa. For $10,000 Drummond Brothers set the building on piers on the grounds of the former museum. Ramsay Township Council waived the $200 building permit. The building was paid for with $5,000 from the insurance on the former schoolhouse turned museum.

The other $5,000 was a gift from a friend of the North Lanark Historical Society, who wished to remain anonymous. There was no charge by Drummond Brothers for the move. Ramsay Township Council purchased the site from the Lanark County Board of Education for five dollars. Since last spring the new building was put on a permanent foundation. Doreen Drummond House is set further back on the lot than the former schoolhouse. A screened in veranda has been built on the back. There is a small kitchen with cupboards.

Dawn Leduc, Blakeney, Curator of the North Lanark Regional Museum, after a few brief remarks, asked Stewart to cut the ribbon, and unveil the name plaque, declaring Doreen Drummond House officially open. Frank Taylor, chairman of the museum building committee, expressed thanks to the Drummond family, the sons of Dawn Leduc and many others whose help had made possible the reopening of the museum in the new building. He especially praised Jean Steel, N LH S president, for her leadership. Before and after the opening ceremonies, visitors toured the museum, inspecting the various exhibits. Some members of Appleton Women’s Institute served refreshments on the soon-to-be completed veranda.

The time has come to celebrate the official grand reopening of Almonte’s historic pioneer cabin located at the North Lanark Regional Museum!
Join us anytime between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on July 23rd (2022) as we welcome guests and visitors once again to tour through this fascinating landmark. We’ll have classic lawn games like horseshoes, pioneer toys, and crafts for kids. All day, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the cabin and the ways pioneer families lived their lives, and between 1:30 and 3:00, you can take a tour with our most active volunteers who will explain the process of restoring our historic building.

Stop by from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. to enjoy a live performance by a local fiddlers’ group. At 1 p.m. we’ll begin our official opening ceremony and twine cutting! Alex Gillis, president of the North Lanark Historical Society will say a few words, and cake will be served.

Lemonade and cookies baked from recipes in our museum collection will be available while supplies last. We encourage visitors to bring their own picnic, picnic blankets, and lawn chairs.
There is no admission cost to participate in the re-opening festivities, but donations are always welcome to assist with our ongoing restorations and programming costs.
—
The heritage Almonte cabin was built near the current roundabout in the 1840’s. It was moved to its present location in 1983 by the North Lanark Historical Society. The building has been displayed over the years in ways that reflect the lived experiences of pioneer settlers to Lanark County, showcasing a range of artefacts that were important in pioneering times.

This important building has been closed to the public throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, giving the Historical Society a fantastic opportunity to undertake much needed restorative work. Through the generosity of a community that responded in earnest to our fundraising campaign, we have successfully raised the building off the ground and placed it on new footings, repaired some exterior logs, and re-chinked and resealed areas between the logs. We have also been able to complete significant repairs to the attached side shed, install new doors, and clean the interior to provide better and safer artefact display.
But there is still work to be done to complete this project. The North Lanark Historical Society plans to build a third external building to complement the existing pioneer cabin. This third building will be used as a display area for large agricultural tools and machines currently housed in the North Lanark Regional Museum collection, many of which had temporary homes inside the pioneer log cabin.

To donate to this ongoing fundraising campaign, visit our website at www.northlanarkregionalmuseum.com
#NLRM #localmuseum #almonte #nlhs #mississippimills #appleton #NLHS #pıoneer #pioneercabin #logcabin
#pioneerday #pioneerdays #familyfun #community #fundraising #fundraiser #history #localhistory #localherita

The North Lanark Regional Museum is owned and operated by the North Lanark Historical Society with the goal of collecting, preserving and displaying the history of Mississippi Mills. The museum features several exhibit spaces including seasonal exhibits, permanent local history exhibits, and a pioneer log cabin. The museum is the perfect destination for families with young children, retirees and history buffs in general.

The museum collection focuses on local history and includes: artefacts, photographs, documents and books. Our research library contains local history books, family histories and original copies of the Almonte Gazette.

647 River Rd, Almonte, ON K0A 1A0 (Appleton)

Send message

nlrmuseum@gmail.com

Phone: (613) 257-8503

Appleton Museum 1980 Fire

Update — Teacher Fired in Appleton School May 1931 –Annie Neilson

Appleton Map and Odds and Ends — Clippings of Appleton

Jun14

McAdams Store Almonte

Posted on June 14, 2018 by lindaseccaspina

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From the collection of Bruce Sadler/Lorraine Nephin McAdams store- Almonte

*May 6 1892-Wonder where those loafers were when the fire started? On Tuesday last the People’s Store brick block had a narrow escape from being damaged by fire. The chimney leading from Mrs. Greig’s kitchen stove runs up the wall between her residence and Riddell & McAdam’s store. Tuesday noon the chimney took fire, and through an imperfectly protected pipe hole in R. & M’s. the flame was communicated to a curtain stretched across it.

Credit-North Lanark Regional Museum, Almonte Gazette

Almonte Gazette Clipping: Advertisement for Caldwell’s Tweeds at A.J. Adam’s Store, Almonte
7 January 1898–Almonte, Town of Mississippi Mills, Ontario, Canada

The Teskey family continued operating the Mississippi Woollen Mills in Appleton right up to about 1899 when the mill was sold to Mr. Thomas Boyd Caldwell of Lanark (Boyd Caldwell & Co.). The Caldwell family were originally lumber barons in Lanark Village and during the late 19th century had entered the woollen industry. Appleton’s woollen mill added to the Caldwell’s business of mills in Lanark Village and later Perth.

Come and visit the Lanark County Genealogical Society Facebook page– what’s there? Cool old photos–and lots of things interesting to read. Also check out The Tales of Carleton Place and The Tales of Almonte

Information where you can buy all Linda Seccaspina’s books-You can also read Linda in The Townships Sun Screamin’ Mamas (USA) and The Sherbrooke Record

Almonte in the Twenties

Remembering John Kerry from Almonte—By Karen Hirst

N. S. Lee & Son Hardware Comments and History

Mary Delaney Caught Stealing at The People’s Store

Apr5

The McArton’s of Ramsay

Posted on April 5, 2018 by lindaseccaspina

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Photos of Almonte Bridge by Janet McArton of the 7th line of Ramsay from Marie White of Lanark County Tourism

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal, 09 May 1933, Tue, Page 11

I had no idea that Janet McArton was a renowned artist but there is little written about her. If you have any information about her, please do email me. sav_77@yahoo.com

Information from Melissa Alexander from North Lanark Regional Museum

Janet McArton was one of eight children born to John McArton and Mary Ann Houston. Her birth date is a bit hard to pin down, but it seems to be around 1848 and she passed away in Ramsay on May 8, 1933. Her father, John, arrived in Canada in 1829 at 14 years of age with his parents from Glasgow, Scotland and they settled in Dalhousie Township. John then settled in Ramsay Township in the early 1840s and married Mary Ann in 1843. Mary Ann was born in Glasgow as well, and her father, Stewart Houston, was one of the pioneer settlers of Ramsay Township.

Clipped from

John was one of Ramsay’s oldest residents when he died at 84 years of age in 1899. He was well-respected in the community and was a justice of the peace so there’s a bit of a write up about him in the paper. They describe him as “a man of cheerful disposition and bright intellect, [possessing] a wonderful amount of general knowledge, gained through much reading, which rendered him a pleasing and instructive companion and an interesting conversationist, and his stories of incident and adventure of the early pioneer days were always of interest to his hearers. He possessed a warm and loving heart, and a genial disposition, which made him hosts of friends wherever he went.”

Janet and her older sister, Sarah, never married. After both their parents died, they moved in with their younger brother John, who had an adjoining farm. After that, there is very little information about them, except that Sarah was killed by a drunk driver in 1928 when she was leaving church. (see Sent to Canada’s Shutter Island for the Death of Sarah McArton)

She would have been in her mid-80s at that point.”

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John McARTON was born in 1815 in Dalhousie Twp, Lanark Co, Ontario, Canada1 and died on May 20, 1899 in Ramsay Twp, Lanark Co, Ontario, Canada1 aged 84.
John married Mary Ann HOUSTON, daughter of Stuart HOUSTON and Sarah KINCAID, about 1842 in , Lanark Co, Ontario, Canada. Mary was born in 1815 in Glasgow, , Lanark, Scotland1 and died on November 6, 1893 in Ramsay Twp, Lanark Co, Ontario, Canada1 aged 78.
Children from this marriage were:

  2 F    i. Sarah E. McARTON was born on February 3, 1844 in Ramsay Twp, Lanark Co, Ontario, Canada.2
  3 M    ii. James McARTON was born in 1847 in Ramsay Twp, Lanark Co, Ontario, Canada.
  4 F    iii. Janet McARTON was born on February 5, 1848 in Ramsay Twp, Lanark Co, Ontario, Canada.3

+ 5 M    iv. Dr. Stuart McARTON was born on July 22, 1852 in Carleton Place, Lanark Co, Ontario, Canada,4 died on August 3, 1903 in Paisley, Bruce Co, Ontario, Canada aged 51, and was buried in Ramsay Twp, Lanark Co, Ontario, Canada.

+ 6 M    v. John McARTON was born on August 21, 1856 in Ramsay Twp, Lanark Co, Ontario, Canada.3
  7 F    vi. Helen McARTON was born in 1862 in Ramsay Twp, Lanark Co, Ontario, Canada.5
Helen married Stuart HOUSTON, son of John HOUSTON and Marion Selkirk (__?__), on May 11, 1886 in Carleton Place, Lanark Co, Ontario, Canada.5 Stuart was born in 1863 in Ramsay Twp, Lanark Co, Ontario, Canada.

Clipped from

Come and visit the Lanark County Genealogical Society Facebook page– what’s there? Cool old photos–and lots of things interesting to read. Also check out The Tales of Carleton Place.

Information where you can buy all Linda Seccaspina’s books-You can also read Linda in The Townships Sun andScreamin’ Mamas (USA)

Sent to Canada’s Shutter Island for the Death of Sarah McArton

What Happened to the Gold on the Ramsay 7th line?

Looking for the Artist of this Carleton Place Painting

The Wall Mysteries of Lake Ave East -Residential Artists

October 13, 1977 George W. Raeburn of Lake Ave East— Artist and C. P. R. Man

The Female Artist from Carleton Place That Never Went Viral

Mar26

Alex Bowes The Lanark Fence Man

Posted on March 26, 2018 by lindaseccaspina

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All photos from the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum– 1970s

Model of a snake fence made by Alex Bowes (1908-1993) of Lanark County. Alex first started making models of log fences when he was just twelve. This model provides an example of the “snake fence” which was typically used as a pasture fence where animals can graze all the way into the zigzags.

The North Lanark Regional Museum has a large collection of model fences made by Alex Bowes including examples of a: Block Fence, Snake Fence, Woven Wire Fence, Closs Fence, Bolton Fence, Indian Fence, Pole Fence, Basket Fence, Slat Fence, Patent Fence, Draper Fence, Stump Fence and Russell Fence. The models show various styles of fences still found across Eastern Ontario. — North Lanark Regional Museum

For more information on log fences see Four Hundred Years of Log Fences, by Eugene Fytche. There is a copy of this book in the North Lanark Regional Museum Library

Clipped from

Come and visit the Lanark County Genealogical Society Facebook page– what’s there? Cool old photos–and lots of things interesting to read. Also check out The Tales of Carleton Place.

Information where you can buy all Linda Seccaspina’s books-You can also read Linda in The Townships Sun andScreamin’ Mamas (USA)

No More Wire Fences? John Drynan– 1908

Sep12

Who Won the Baby Contest in 1889?

Posted on September 12, 2017 by lindaseccaspina

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North Lanark Regional Museum—-This photograph of a sweet little boy and his teddy bear was part of a recent donation of items belonging to Winnifred Lamrock, a school teacher at S.S. #5 and S.S. #9 in Pakenham during the 1930s.

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal, 28 Sep 1889, Sat, Page 4

Read the rest here.. CLICK

Dr. George Groves, Carp, Ontario was born in Fitzroy, Carleton County, Ontario on June 6, 1851. His parents were Richard and Ann (Hodgins) Groves, natives of Ireland who came to Canada in 1834 and were pioneer settlers in Fitzroy Township. Dr. Groves received his early education in the public school and took a private course for matriculation with the Reverend Benjamin Franklin. He also obtained a first class certificate at Richmond for the County of Carleton at the age of eighteen and taught school for six years, being principal of the Carp Public School for three years of that time. He then entered McGill University, Montreal, graduating M.D. in 1879.

He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in the Almonte and Richmond lodges. He has been District Master for March and Huntley in the Orange Order, is a member of the Scarlet Chapter and Royal Black Preceptory of Ireland, is a Past Preceptor of Carp R.B.P. No. 305, and has obtained the Red Cross Certificate from the Grand Lodge of Ireland. He is president of the Liberal-Conservative Association of North Lanark, and was nominated for the Commons in 1882 but declined the honor. He was married in 1883 to Fanny Monk, eldest daughter of G. W. Monk, M.P.P. for Carleton County for twenty-three years. The doctor was a director of the Central Canada Exhibition of Ottawa, and has been president of the Huntley Agricultural Society for twelve years. He is a member of the Bathurst and Rideau Medical Association, of which he was vice-president for a number of years. In religion he is a Methodist.

The above biographical sketch was written in 1895.

DEATH OF RICHARD GROVES

—–

One of the Oldest and Best Known Men of the Ottawa District

Richard Groves, one of the oldest and most respected residents of Carleton county, died at the residence of his son, Dr. Geo. H. Groves, of Carp, yesterday.
Deceased, who was in his 83rd year, was born in Ireland. He came to Canada when quite young and settled in the township of Fitzroy. Until about eight years ago he followed agricultural pursuits with an enviable degree of success. Then he sold his farm and took up his residence at Carp. Three years ago his wife died, and he went to live with his son, Dr. Geo. H. He was a staunch Conservative and a member of the Methodist Church.
He leaves five sons, three daughters and many grand children. His sons are Dr. Geo. H. Groves, of Carp; Dr. Wesley Groves, of Quyon; Wm. Groves, of Kinburn; Richard Groves, of Fitzroy Harbour, and John T. Groves, of Cincinnati. Deceased’s dauhgters[sic] are Mrs. James Baird, of Fitzroy; Mrs. B. Hodgins, of Huntley, and Mrs. W. Green, of Mohr’s Corners. Two grand children live in the city. They are W. E. Groves and F. S. Groves.
The funeral takes place to-morrow morning to Pakenham cemetery.

Information where you can buy all Linda Seccaspina’s books-You can also read Linda in The Townships Sun andScreamin’ Mamas (USA)

Come and visit the Lanark County Genealogical Society Facebook page– what’s there? Cool old photos–and lots of things interesting to read. Also check out The Tales of Carleton Place.

Perth fair Winners 1949 and The Perth Fair Story

The Winners of The Lanark Fair 1913

“Around the Local Fairs in 80 Days”? Lanark County Minor Steampunk Story

The Country Fairs 1879

Are You Ever too Old to Go to The Rural Fair? — Almonte

It Happened at The Richmond Fair 2012 – Photo Memories

Dueling Shoes and Fiddles and Step Dancing Contest July 15 1974

The Publicity Club Coupon Contest of Smiths Falls 1931

Carleton Place 1940’s —- The Popularity Contest

Win a House in Carleton Place!

I have been writing about downtown Carleton Place Bridge Street for months and this is something I really want to do. Come join me in the Domino’s Parking lot- corner Lake Ave and Bridge, Carleton Place at 11 am Saturday September 16 (rain date September 17) for a free walkabout of Bridge Street. It’s history is way more than just stores. This walkabout is FREE BUT I will be carrying a pouch for donations to the Carleton Place Hospital as they have been so good to me. I don’t know if I will ever do another walking tour so come join me on something that has been on my bucket list since I began writing about Bridge Street. It’s always a good time–trust me.

Are You Ready to Visit the Open Doors?

Jul24

Where was Bay View House in Appleton?

Posted on July 24, 2017 by lindaseccaspina

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Clipped from The Ottawa Journal, 20 Nov 1897, Sat, Page 2

The history of Appleton’s hotels in not well documented. It appears that Appleton had at least two hotels on the East side of the River. One was opposite the cheese factory and the other was opposite the general store. The hotels provided a place for the mill owners to entertain salesmen, a place for travellers to sleep, and served as the local watering hole.

In his book, Historical Sketches of Appleton, Jack Brown makes several mentions of Appleton hotels included:

In 1871 a Mr. Michael Brennan was Appleton’s hotel keeper.
In 1897 Mr. Baker changed the name of his hotel from Appleton House to Bay View House.
In 1904 Mr. Thomas C. Arthur sold the hotel to a Mr. Wellington Spearman.–North Lanark Regional Museum

Divided down the centre by the Mississippi River, the community of Appleton has always depended on a bridge to fully connect the community. Over the years a variety of bridges have been constructed in Appleton.

Credits:North Lanark Regional Museum (2012.87.2)

In 1899 tragedy struck when the bridge gave way and killed two men (see related reading). By 1900 a new bridge had been constructed and was in use. Appleton’s current bridge was built in the 1950s and is almost unanimously considered an eyesore among the local residents.-North Lanark Regional Museum

Credits:North Lanark Regional Museum (2012.88.13) Donated by Communications Canada, Government of Canada

Just a short walk away from the Appleton Boat Launch one comes across a cement table and chairs looking out on the Mississippi River. This quiet retreat was constructed in memory of Brian Cole (Sept. 02 1990 to Jan 10, 2003) Grandson of Delbert & Vera Cole, Appleton Village, by the Appleton Community Association and Friends.

Several community hall buildings stood at this location over the years. The community hall was an important part of Appleton’s social life. The hall was host to 4-H meetings, films, dances, junior farmers, women’s institute, and school plays among other things. The community hall also held the WWII Honor Roll which commemorated all those who had served and those who had died from Appleton during WWII.–North Lanark Regional Museum

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal, 24 Feb 1897, Wed, Page 2

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal, 11 Nov 1899, Sat, Page 12

Information where you can buy all Linda Seccaspina’s books-You can also read Linda in The Townships Sun andScreamin’ Mamas (USA)

Come and visit the Lanark County Genealogical Society Facebook page– what’s there? Cool old photos–and lots of things interesting to read. Also check out The Tales of Carleton Place.

Why the Appleton Bridge Collapsed…

The Day the Appleton Bridge Collapsed

Lawsuits in Carleton Place — The Collapse of the Appleton Bridge

Jan29

The Amazing Mr. Paul

Posted on January 29, 2017 by lindaseccaspina

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Photo from the Carleton Place Canadian files from the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum

When I first moved to Carleton Place in 1981 I joined the Carleton Place Historical Society. Each month when I attended their meetings at the Carleton Place Library Mr. Paul would tell me stories that kept me coming back each month just to see him. There is no doubt that Mr. Paul became an inspiration years later to tell stories about Lanark County. He once told me that if I heard a story about the local area to keep passing it on so no one will ever forget.

Mount Blow Farm- donated by Norman Paul to the North Lanark Regional Museum

Norman, was a fixture of Lanark County more than anyone I had ever met at the time. His father came from Scotland in 1821 and settled in what was called the Mount Blow farm on the Rae side just a bit south-west of Almonte. Norman was born January 1, 1900 on the farm that is said to be situated on a *narrow round strip of white limestone.

Norman Paul’s great grandfather was the first Assessor in Ramsay in 1836 and when I knew him Norman still had the Census Sheet for the southwest half of Ramsay Township for the Census taken in 1837.

What people remember most about Norman besides his stories was that he was a whittler. His wooden creations are still in the North Lanark Museum in Appleton today and these dioramas were made in the 1980s depicting local pioneer life.

Norman used to travel to schools, fairs and other events to display his dioramas and give presentations on pioneer life. When the North Lanark Regional Museum opened in Appleton in 1970, Norman donated the majority of his pieces to the museum where they continued to be on display for the public. Unfortunately the museum burned down in 1979 and the collection was destroyed. Fortunately Norman Paul decided to remake the dioramas and again donated them to the rebuilt museum in the 80s.

I consider myself blessed to have known Norman Paul, and it isn’t often I don’t remember the smile of the 1987 “Maple Man of the Year”. In fact I never want too– he was that important to me and the rest of Lanark County.

Perth Courier, March 27, 1868

Leckie-Paul—Married, at Mount Blow Ramsay, by the Rev. Wm. McKenzie, on the 20^th inst., Mr. John Leckie to Miss Marion Paul, both of Ramsay.

June of 1905. This school photo features teachers, Miss Ida Paul and Miss Lizzie Spears, who are located second and seventh from the left in the back row–North Lanark Regional Museum

*Many of the stone structures built in Almonte depended upon the Paul kiln for limestone. Lime was shipped as far as Merrickville from the “Mount Blow” kiln, as it was called, and old account books list buyers from Innisville, North Gower, Franktown, Smiths Falls, Prospect, Ashton, Huntley, Richmond, and other outlying points. The kiln was built of black iron stone on the site of a steep hill. It was barrel-shaped with an arched entrance, lined with fire brick and the front covered with dressed stone. Gum woods such as hemlock, tamarack, pine, spruce and cedar were used for firing. The manufacturing season began generally in mid February and ran to mid December. There were 12 or 14 such kilns in operation on the Paul farm by 1866 and the greatest production year was 1885 when they sold 9000 bushels. John Paul & Sons were awarded a bronze medal at the Colonial and Indian Exhibition in London in 1886 for their sample of lime.- Jean S. McGill book ‘A Pioneer History of Lanark County’ on the settlement of Ramsay Township

PAUL, FRANK YUILL – In hospital, Ottawa, Ontario on Tuesday, March 7th, 1989. Frank Yuill Paul – beloved husband of Eleanor Jean Clapp. Loving father of Geoffrey at home; Nancy, Sudbury; Allen, Whitehorse, Yukon and David of Toronto. Dear son of Norman Paul, RR 2, Almonte and the late Caroline Bowland. Dear brother of Ruth (Mrs. Arthur Armstrong), Burks Falls, Ontario: Jim, RR 2, Almonte and Norma Paul of Akron, Ohio. In his 49th year. Friends called at the Kerry Funeral Home, 154 Elgin Street, Almonte on Wednesday and Thursday. Funeral service was held at Almonte United Church on Friday, March l0th. Rev. Clifford Evans and Jack Lougheed officiated. Cremation, Ottawa.

Photo and text- North Lanark Regional Museum

James P. Paul -Interviewed November 4, 2013 by Sarah Chisholm
Catalogue No.: 2013.43.1
Duration: 42 minutes
Photo: L-R: Sarah, Jim

James P. Paul (Jim Paul) comes from a long line of farmers. He grew up on Mount Blow Farm in Ramsay which was started by the Paul family in 1821.

Mount Blow Farm operated as a mixed farm until the early 1900s and was well known for its lime kiln business which ran from the 1860s to 1908. In 1925 the farm began the transition from mixed farming to dairy farming, building a purebred Holstein herd. In 1951 Jim Paul officially joined his father and his brother on the farm. Mount Blow Farm continued to expand and evolve. The farm improved with the addition of milking machines, a bulk tank and a pipeline all added by 1970.

Jim speaks about the history of the farm, the equipment changes and also speaks about his father, Norman Paul. Norman Paul is well known in Lanark County for his whittlings and dioramas.

This is a great interview for anyone interested in the history of Ramsay, agriculture, in particular the dairy industry.

The Paul Family–Learn more about the Paul family at the North Lanark Regional Museum-The Story of the Paul Family at Mount Blow Farm (Yellow Duotang) — — Four Page typed information on the Paul Family at Mount Blow Farm #73

Come and visit the Lanark County Genealogical Society Facebook page– what’s there? Cool old photos–and lots of things interesting to read.

Information where you can buy all Linda Seccaspina’s books-You can also read Linda in Hometown News and now in The Townships Sun

Jan17

You Never Talk About Appleton

Posted on January 17, 2017 by lindaseccaspina

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Photo- Linda Seccaspina

April 17 1874–Almonte Gazette

Dear Editor,

I have been a constant reader of your paper for several years, and I have never seen the least notice taken of the illustrious village of Appleton by any of your correspondents, so I thought it would not be uninteresting to some of your readers to hear a word from us.

Mr. J. M. Cameron has purchased the general store owned by Mr. W. Cuthbert. It is to be hoped that the post office department will receive greater attention from Mr. Cameron than has been bestowed in the past. That mail matter will not be allowed to lie in the office for days, although it has repeatedly called for.

appletonpo (1).jpg

Photo- Linda Seccaspina- North Lanark Regional Museum

The general store owned by Mr. Thomas Arthurs is about being purchased by Messrs. J. & W. Morday and they are taking stock at present. Messrs Telskey and Wilson are fitting up a shingle mill on their new site, which they recently bought from Mr. Thomas Hart. Judging from the enterprising character of the firm, we have no hesitation in saying it will be a first class one.

We have succeeded against considerable opposition in establishing a series of *penny readings. When they were first proposed tbe minority of the old folks sat in council at their own firesides and passed tbe following resolution :

“Whereas once upon a tune there was a Temperance Society organized in this place, and whereas said Temperance Society ended in a courting school and was thereby productive of harm to our young people, and whereas we have come to the conclusion that the readings contemplated will end likewise; Therefore be it resolved, that we discountenance them— Carried.”

Teskey family playing croquet in front of Robert Teskey House, c.1880 Photo--North Lanark Regional Museum

With the parents in opposition it was difficult, at first, to get the young people to take part in them; but we succeeded in overcoming this difficulty and in making them a grand success.

The following is the programme of the last reading, held on the evening of the 7th April: W. R. Teskey, in the chair; Instrumental Music by J. Wood; Reading, John Park; Recitation, Muter J. Sullivan; Song. Miss Mary Wilson; Reading, W. K- Teskey; Dialogue, W. Baird and A. Cram; Song, R. Wilson; Reading, John Park; Song, J. M. Cameron; Reading, R. Wilson -, Recitation, J. Freeman ; Music, String Band; Reading, R. Wilson; Reading, J. M. Cameron; Music, String Band; Stump Speech, Master J. Sullivan

There is a Young Men’s Association at present. The members meet seven times a week at night (no particular hour), in shop situated at the east end of the bridge. The Association is of a doubtful character.

signed,

Appleton

Picture 1010. John Adam Teskey 1837 – 1908 and Sarah (Giles) 1833 – 1909 – John inherited Appleton Woollen Mill, Ontario-Ken McDonald.

At the township’s Apple Tree Falls, where young Joseph Teskey drew land in 1824, the Teskey brothers later built their saw and grist mills, followed by a succession of woollen mill businesses which began about a century ago at Appleton.

*What were penny readings? Click here

Come and visit the Lanark County Genealogical Society Facebook page– what’s there? Cool old photos–and lots of things interesting to read.

Information where you can buy all Linda Seccaspina’s books-You can also read Linda in Hometown News and now in The Townships Sun

Related reading

Appleton Tragedy

Poutine Curds From the Appleton Cheese Factory?

The Abandoned Appleton Mill

Unravelled: Appleton textile mill

Glen Isle and Appleton by Air-The Sky Pilots of Carleton Place

The Day the Appleton Bridge Collapsed

Lawsuits in Carleton Place — The Collapse of the Appleton Bridge

Where Does Appleton Begin and End?

Appleton Before the Dam was Built

The Appleton General Store and Polly Parrot

The Insane Spinster Ghost of Appleton Ontario

The Apple Does Not Fall far from the Tree — Virtual Tour of a Teskey Home

The Unforgettable Day the Museum Burned Down

When Corn Doesn’t Grow- Neilson Chocolate Will

Before and After on Lake Ave West — H. D. Gilmour

The Appleton Chinchilla House

Dec30

How Many People Read About Lanark County in 2016? Top Stories?

Posted on December 30, 2016 by lindaseccaspina

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Municipal Map.jpg

Let’s Check Out What Happened in 2016!

So in the middle of 2016 I expanded my writing to include all of Lanark County on the Lanark County Genealogical Society Facebook page. Here are the 2016’s year end results as of December 30 10:33 am–

In 2016 we had over 722,102 views and 590,692 visits from 131 countries who read about Lanark County (and now Quebec Eastern Townships) history.

Facebook brought in the most hits, next it was various search engines I use and then Twitter coming in second and third respectively. The top countries reading our local stories are: Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Turks & Caicos Islands, Germany and Australia– and Mexico coming up strong this year.

Here is the deal- I can’t do this alone– no one can–it is only through sharing stories and commenting that we make history come alive! So thank you for helping get the word out about Lanark County. Now let’s keep spreading the word– we can do this!

The top 15 Stories of the Year

The Sad Remains of Law & Orders– Destroyed last Night

Was it Just a Matter of Time? The Old Barracks

In Memory of Wandering Wayne –Wayne Richards

Local Man’s Dad Was Leader of The Stopwatch Gang

The Witch of Plum Hollow – Carleton Place Grandmother

Chesswood of Carleton Place –THE MENU

The Abandoned Farm House in Carleton Place — Disappearing Farms

Did You Know About the Crotch Lake Disaster?

The Rooftop Christmas Tree in Carleton Place (2016)

Going Once- Going Twice- Carleton Place Sold to the Highest Bidder?

Aerial Images of the Old Cold War Barracks Fire-Carole and Bill Flint