From Stuart McIntosh
Found this pic in my mother’s scrapbook.
Thanks to whoever submitted the early photo of the 4 boys. The next photo is Mr.&Mrs. Thaddeus McIntosh with their children Mildred and Donald. Thaddeus was the boy on the left in earlier pic.
Kingston, Ontario, Canada • Fri, 28 Feb 1896Page 2
1896
Golden Wedding Celebration
(24 Jan. 1914)
On Jan, 24th, 1864, Euphemia Stevenson was united in marriage to Mr. John Dunlop. In honor of the 50th anniversary of this event, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Dunlop of Union Hall were the genial host and hostess at a dinner to the relatives and also a reception to the neighbors in the evening.
The bridesmaid, Miss Annie Scott, was present and is the only living witness of 50 years ago. Of the living children, three were present – Mrs. Compo of Ottawa, Alex. from Langham, Sask., and William on the homestead. Charles of Grande Prairie, Peace River, Alberta, the youngest son, was not present, but he spent a month with his parents last summer. Miss Pheobe Compo, a granddaughter, was also up from Ottawa.
Mr. Dunlop although not in the best of health at present, belongs to a long-lived race. His brother, Mr. Charles Dunlop, of Pakenham, who is in his 90th year, was able to drive that distance with his son, John, to attend the dinner and reception. Two sisters living in White Church, Ont., are both advanced in years, one being 82 and the other 87 years of age. The late Mrs. McLean, of the 7th line of Ramsay, a sister who died Sept, 19th, 1909, was then 86 years old.
Mrs. Dunlop was Euphemia Stevenson, youngest daughter of the late Alexander Stevenson, and sister to the late Norman and Andrew Stevenson, who died in Almonte a few years ago. Two sisters were the late Mrs. Thomas McFarlane, near Carberry, Man., and the late Mrs. John Rintoul, near Wingham, Ont.
Mr. and Mrs. Dunlop have lived in their home on the 2ne line of Ramsay ever since their marriage and are much respected by their neighbors and all who have the honor of their acquaintance.
The guests presented them with two beautiful chairs as a slight token of their esteem. The Gazette joins with the friends in the wish that the old couple may yet enjoy many years of happiness among them.
Jan 1957
One of the problems of this day is what to do with all the extra time gained from the shorter working week. Mr. William Dunlop, who farmed in the Union Hall district until a few years ago was not bothered too much with the short week anymore than are most farmers but following a serious illness long ago, he took up knitting. In his day he turned out sweaters, socks and mitts for the family and now at 84 is still going strong.
This Christmas he knitted ten pairs of mitts for his, grandchildren. He is blessed with excellent eyesight and still drives his own car occasionally. In fact he drove to Almonte from the Union Hall district where he now lives with his daughter and son-inlaw, Mr. and Mrs. Neil McIntosh, just before Christmas. While there is no reason why men cannot knit as well as women, it is a fact that few become proficient in this line. Nearly all who have done so, have taken up knitting as a hobby while recuperating from an illness. Mr. Dunlop’s hobby followed an operation for a kidney stone from which he made a slow recovery but in his advancing years it has been a wonderful thing for him to be able to pass the time to such good advantage.
People of Lanark County Andrew Dunlop 1944
Miss Christena Dunlop –Teacher Church Street School
The Band was Amazing but the Coke Driver Let Jack Hastie Down CPHS 1951- Delmar Dunlop
The John Dunlop Burial Site Almonte
Sometimes When You Least Expect it– The Dunlop Issue
November 1957 Almonte Gazette
The Union Hall group met in the Community Hall on Wednesday evening, November 6th. This was “Family Night” and there were fifteen members and 43 visitors present. It was moved that alloutstanding bills be paid. Correspondence dealing with mental health was left over until next meeting. A letter from the Naismith Memorial Hospital Almonte committee, stated that they were transferring their funds to the JR. M. Hospital to be used under their charter for a new hospital, the name of which is undecided.
Mrs. Neil McIntosh, representing this branch, reported on a meeting held in Almonte, Nov. 5. She told of the need of help for the making of dressings for the Cancer Society and that means of transportation to the clinic would be gratefully received. She also gave a few of the highlights of Dr. MacDowall’s talk. When business was concluded, the meeting was given over to the convenors for Community Activities and Public Relations, Mrs. Alfred James and Mrs. Roy Robertson.
The motto: “Fun is the cheapest medicine and the easiest to take” was explained by Mrs. Bert Thompson and the roll call was, “Which has most influence in a child’s life, the home, the school or the church?” The members were unanimous in their opinion that the first named was the correct answer. Mrs. Alfred James conducted a contest on ‘Community Surnames’ which was won by Mrs. McMunn and Mrs. Sutherland. All present joined in this. Mrs! Morris Turner conducted a bow contest which lasted throughout the evening and was much enjoyed.
1st prize, Mary James; 2nd prize, Mrs. Keith McMunn. Two, one-act plays were presented and were much enjoyed. The first called, “The Lucky Ones,” dealing with public relations, was put on by several W. I. members. The second, “The Grass Is Always Greener’’ was presented by the Girls’ 4-H Club. A deliciousi pot luck supper was served at long tables and a social hour spent. Mr. Kenneth Robertson moved a hearty vote of thanks to those who supplied the humorous program and to the ladies for the bountiful refreshments. All joined in singing God Save the Queen.
The Old Union Hall Cheese Factory By Berenice McKay
Taylor Lake is a small lake connected to Clayton Lake. To get there, go west from Union Hall (junction of County Roads 9&16) three kms to Lanark Conc. 12. Turn north to the end of this road (about 11/2 km) to the end of the road at the lake. Launch your canoe at the small boat launch and circumnavigate the lake. Watch out for stumps in the bays. This lake was raised considerably two decades ago, with the reconstruction of the dam at Clayton. On the first point to your left as you launch, you can see a path of downed, dead trees, which were felled by a tornado a few years ago. Directly in a line across the lake from the boat launch is a road leaving the shore. Connecting these two points was a famous floating bridge. It was wiped out by hurricane Connie in 1964 and many of the logs can be seen on the bottom on the lake.
Some books tell us this bridge was first built to get people from Halls Mills and Galbraith to Ferguson Falls. This is quite true, as it did separate Taylor’s Lake from Clayton Lake at the narrows, and is one mile west of Ramsay Township. It was used by many farmers as a short cut for hauling cord wood and grain to Almonte. Bill McIntosh of RR 6 Perth remembers crossing the bridge in a car when the water would squirt up through the flooring. Advanced transportation caused the demise of the bridge, which was also a popular fishing spot. The bridge before it was destroyed was almost 300 yards long. — Historical Notes
Photos by Lyall’s grandmother Bernice E. Willis McKay
Memories from Lyall McKay
The photos of the floating bridge are from Bernice McKay. She used to have a beauty parlour at Union Hall. My grandfather ran the garage (McKay Motors) in the original cheese factory for many years.
She wrote a book before she passed away used to live in the retirement home in Clayton. Believe there should be a copy of her book still in the library there. There are local stories if Union Hall in her book. Her husband was Elvin McKay. His father is in Rose Mary Sarfield’s Book- “Whispers From the Past” (email at rose@sarsfield.ca or call at 613-621-9300, or go to the Clayton Store) he used to drive the sawdust/slab wagon for the sawmill.
There used to be another floating bridge over Indian River above the command bridge on Galbraith rd. I remember my grandfather saying it was in use till the seventies until a oil delivery truck fell through. Many years ago one could see a fire tower in the distance at the head of Taylor lake. Many call the channel between Clayton Lake and Taylor Lake Watchhorn Lake. I am assuming if comes from previous land owner before the lake was flooded by the Clayton dam. ( Read more about the Watchhorn’s in : Rose Mary Sarfield’s Book- “Whispers From the Past” (email at rose@sarsfield.ca or call at 613-621-9300, or go to the Clayton Store.)
There is a story of a family being buried at the corner of I think the 10th line on Galbraith Rd. The corner is fenced off about 8 ft square where they are supposed to be were placed there after they died of a plague and the house was further up at the end of the road.
Have been told that many years ago the settlers used to walk the oxen across the lake by using the islands in Taylor Lake before the dam. ( see So Which Island did the River Drivers of Clayton get Marooned On?) My understanding is that Watchhorn area was wet but not deep. Even now in summer there is only about 8 ft of water in the channel between the lakes. The damn was built first and then they came upriver to cut all the trees on the flooded lands. That’s why there are many big stumps sand logs in channel area. In the centre of the channel is a clear stretch. My belief is that it was the original path of water between the lakes. Taylor and Watchhorn are both spring fed lakes. In first freeze up one can see where the water flow meanders from various sides the length of the channel.
My grandfather told me it was three layers deep with a arch in the centre at one time. But later have heard they used to have to drag boat’s across the bridge to get between the lakes. Was a story of a team of horses jumping off the bridge when spooked by fish laying on the bridge from a fisherman
I have heard that on the north east side of the floating bridge there was a gravel pit that they used to load/pull by horses. I have been told the Watchhorn house was on the Stewart side of the lake and the owner used to wade across the channel to work the fields on the west side. No one on my family can recall a building in the west side when the bought it other than a old barn.
Grandfather used to talk about skating parties at Thompson’s. They use to skate the length of the lake. They used the strap on blades to boots somewhere in the lake is one he lost in a ice ridge. Years ago my uncle used to have a two level swimming diving raft in the north end of the channel before it got busy like now.
May 27, 1943 Almonte Gazette
The following interesting story about the famous “floating bridge” across Clayton Lake, has been written for The Gazette by Mr. William W. Watchom, one of the old Clayton boys and for many years one of Almonte’s best known citizens: The floating bridge on the 12th line of Lanark, is closed to traffic and has slipped off the foundation or timbers which supported it in places.
It was built about 70 years ago by Timothy Sullivan of Ferguson Falls, who was successful in tendering for the contract; Lanark Township Council financed the building. In those days there was a number of families living in the Galbraith and Halls Mills districts that belonged to the R. C. parish church at Ferguson Falls and it saved them driving around by Clayton.They were able to cut across and come onto the old mail route at James’ School.
It was a substantial structure with heavy cedar timbers underneath. The top structure was of cedar covering spotted to be solid on the sleepers. The railing was two logs high, bolted down to the outside sleepers which kept the covering in place. The top of the railing was braced to the covering which was longer where a brace was required. There was one place about the centre of the bridge, built wider so two rigs could meet.
The structure is over five acres long and took a lot of timber and men to build it. After it was completed there was a dispute about paying for it as another who tendered claimed it was not built according to specifications. The late Mr. John Thompson who had a lot to do with having this bridge built, asked Mr. James Turner who now resides at Grand Forks, N. D., and at that time was following up the carpenter trade, to inspect the bridge. He found it was built according to the specifications.
It is to be hoped that it will be repaired as it is one of the old landmarks and would be very much missed by a lot of people. In the spring and summer it is quite a fishing resort and it is a good place for wing shooting during duck hunting season.
November 23, 1945— Almonte Gazette
A heavy gravel truck that crossed the Floating bridge recently caused some damage that had to be repaired
this week.
Rose Mary Sarfield’s book about the history of Clayton- “Whispers From the Past” (email at rose@sarsfield.ca or call at 613-621-9300, or go to the Clayton General Store)
The Baye’s Of Lanark Township.
Excerpts from the Almonte Gazette Newspaper;
Dear Sir:
With regards to an article in the book (Ramsay Reflections) recently published dating from 1836-1979 page 41, I beg a small space in your paper.
It concerns the late Joe Baye, his wife and family, Mrs. Baye who died October 5th, 1927, and Mr. Baye who died October 31, 1928. As the Baye’s nearest neighbour, for the first 20 years of my life, I was asked about three years ago for information as to the Baye’s way of life and home etc.
When I contacted Ramsay Residents I was very surprised to see that the Baye history refers to them as residents of Ramsay Township.
I made it clear at that time, that this was a mistake, and to my knowledge it was changed then.
I have absolutely no fault to finish with the ladies who have written the book I except they used the material as they received it.
However the truth is Joe Baye his wife and family never lived in Ramsay Township.
He may have camped along the river between Almonte and Appleton while trapping etc., but it never was a permanent place of abode.
His property comprised about one acre of land, more or less in the eleventh concession of Lanark Township.
He also had access to about half an acre in the twelfth concession, owned by a neighbour, on which he grew potatoes, corn and other vegetables.
It was known as the (Sand Hill) and he was never molested. This land was ploughed and worked by neighbours, and he was always ready to do a kind act in return.
His house, shop and other buildings were In the eleventh concession, and were always in A-1 condition.
Also the famous (Floating Bridge) which did form part of the twelfth concession just near his home is in Lanark Township.
Other books tell this bridge was first built to get people from Halls Mills and Galbraith to Ferguson Falls. This is quite true as it did separate Taylor’s Lake from Clayton Lake at the narrows, and is one mile west of Ramsay Township.
The bridge before it was destroyed was 300 yards long.
As I said before, I have no fault to find with the ladies, who no doubt have spent many hours preparing the book. I would say a job well done.
No doubt this article was printed as received, and was taken as a true story to a lot of people.
However like all my neighbours, who remember what fine people the Baye’s were that this part of the community, and especially the town of Almonte, join with me in remembering them as residents of Lanark Township.
Sincerely, Eldon Ireton, RR 2, Almonte.
ps. The following is in no way connected with the foregoing article.
I see pictures of the Floating Bridge in several places bearing a date of 1890.
While it is a good picture of the bridge, the date is absolutely wrong.
First it shows the telephone line. We didn’t have telephones in these parts in 1890. I think 1910 is closer to the correct date.
Also as to the railing on the bridge. My neighbours and myself, helped build the railing shown, and it could be the last one before the bridge was closed in 1944. It could be in the (thirties) with wages at 25 cents or 30 cents an hour/
Thank You. Eldon Ireton.
Picture of the Floating Bridge
The floating bridge at the narrows between Clayton and Taylor Lakes was actually constructed on the water adapting to the lake’s water levels. It was used by many farmers as a short cut for hauling cord wood and grain to Almonte. Bill McIntosh of RR 6 Perth remembers crossing the bridge in a car when the water would squirt up through the flooring. Advanced transportation caused the demise of the bridge, which was also a popular fishing spot. Joe Baye’s home appears in the far right. This week’s peek is courtesy of Bill Labron who also submitted a letter to the editor (see below) about Joe Baye.
Visiting with Joe Baye near Bridge
Although this story has been told before, I thought it might be suitable to go with the floating bridge on Clayton Lake.
Some time after I migrated to Paris, Ont. with the Penman Company, Mr. Long, Penman’s general superintendent, as me if I knew the Indian fellow Joe Baye who lived near the floating bridge.
I replied that I didn’t know him personally, but I knew of him.
“Well Bill.” said Mr. Long, “I can tell you a story involving Joe Baye.”
“As you probably know I make periodic inspections of all the Penman Mills. One time in Almonte, manager Herb Lundy asked me if I would like to go fishing.”
“I liked to fish so the next day about 1 pm Herb hired a horse and buggy from the local livery and some time later we arrived at the floating bridge.”
“Joe was going to be our fishing guide in his boat. After we returned from two or three hours of fishing Joe fried some fillets from the fish we caught and we sure enjoyed them.”
“Just about the time we were ready to return to Almonte, a terrible storm came up. As the wind and rain didn’t let up, Joe invited us to spend the night there.”
I wasn’t very keen on that, but Herb thought we should. Later we went up some steps, steep as a stepladder, to a room in the attic where there were two beds.”
“Although the bed was clean and comfortable I could not sleep with the lightning and rain pounding on the roof.”
“Just about daylight I heard someone come up the ladder. Then I could see this Joe Baye fellow’s head and shoulders and a large knife in his hand.”
“Gosh Bill, I was scared. I didn’t know whether to call Herb or what. However, this Joe Baye went over to a rafter and cut down a bundle which was tied there. He went back down the steps apparently carrying some smoked meat.”
“Afterwards I could smell ham and eggs frying and Bill, I don’t know when I enjoyed a breakfast like we had that morning.”
“Bill, I always wanted to go back there again for some fishing, but I never did make it.”
Joe Baye was a well-known Indian who trapped, worked for farmers during their busy season and acted as a fishing and hunting guide.
William Labron, Paris, Ontario.
To the Editor,
Congratulations on the new look of the Gazette which I have read with interest since James Muir was the publisher.
Recent correspondence re: Joe Baye evoked pleasant memories of him and of Mrs. Baye — his horse and buggy, his dog, his friendly home, his shop and his unique style of skill under construction. Rev. J. T. Blanchard a relative of Mrs. Baye told me that at the time of their marriage she was a very beautiful girl and he a very handsome man. In age they were still beautiful people to me.
Yours truly, Robert Martin, Penetang, Ontario
Thomas Tennant was born in 180 in Ireland and immigrated with his family to Upper Canada in 1820. They settled in Ramsay Township, Lanark County, where his application for land (Conc. 7, Lot 2) was turned down because he was too young (age 17). Eventually he did acquire land. The 1851 census records no longer exist for Ramsay Township, but Thomas, his wife Mary Ann, and his children lived in Lanark Township for more than twenty years. He died in Lanark in and was buried in the Tennant Cemetery.
The Sullivans —- Floating Bridge Builders
The Carp River Floating Bridge
The Floating Bridge – Claudia Smith
Rose Mary Sarsfield Happy birthday Fred! This is the photo of the veterans from Union Hall. Fred is one of them along with his brother Nelson and sister Edna.
Joanne Rajguru sent this to me this week. Monday, June 15th is her Dad's 100th birthday. Really it is the summer of his 100th.
Things you might not Know about Fred
Fred Dunlop still lives on Townline Rd E Carleton Place in his own home.
He was born on Wolfe Grove Road Almonte June 15 1920
He is the 9th of 10 children
Parents were descendants of Scottish presbyterians –William Dunlop & Annie McKay [Middleville]
He did farm labour as a teen for George Robertson and Neil McIntosh
He also spent 2 summers out west harvesting grain
He later worked CP Bates & Innes Woolen Mill 13 hr shifts making blankets
He worked at a Canadian Locomotive Company operating a lath
Joined Air Force in 1941, stationed in Moncton 4 years Technician for Aircraft Navigational equipment
After war jobs included:
Watch maker in Pembroke
Machinist in Renfrew
Instrument Technician in Ottawa
Married Dorothy Smyth in Nov 1953, built a house himself on Veteran’s Land Act 1/4 acre, Ottawa
He built and sold two cottages Rideau Lake, Perth & house in Ottawa
He also supervised construction of house for his Sister Alice McIntosh of Almonte
He worked many years for Computing Devices, Bells Corners while they raised a family 2 daughters and 2 sons –(Joanne,Debbie,John & Scott)
Grandchildren living in many places include Mrs.Kate Wilson in Vancouver, Dylan Rajguru Victoria, Darcy Rajguru Toronto, Mrs. Rebekah Depler Kansas , Adam Rajguru Montreal, Anisha Rajguru of Bali Indonesia, Shannon Alexander & Jessica Galloway, Ottawa, and John & Katrina Dunlop in CP.
Fred is the last living of all his siblings!
Some of Fred’s Nieces and nephews include Brian Drummond, Allan McIntosh, Carol Berger, Dolly Tashock , Howard Dunlop of Almonte area , Barry Drummond of Winchester. Wayne Drummond of Belmont, Donald Cooper & HELEN JOHNSTON of Carp.., Steve Drummond of Innisville–
Posted by R. S. Dunlop: My father, Fred Dunlop, who was born in Union Hall and now lives in Carleton Place. He was out today pruning the row of trees at the back of his yard–
Did you know Fred? If you did can you comment with some memories? Thank you.
Wayne Drummond My Uncle Fred. Great sense of Humour
Theresa Morin Don’t know Fred, but, Happy 💯th birthday to you!!
Dawn Jones Happy happy birthday!!!
Thelma Dowdall Happy Birthday Fred
Heather Moat Hi Fred; Happy Birthday great man was Mr Dunlop’s homemaker for some time,enjoyed his company! All the best
Barbara James Richardson Happy Birthday to Fred
Maureen Evans Happy a Birthday Fred!
Joanne Rajguru IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO MAIL OR DROP A CARD TO DAD for his 100TH BIRTHDAY … PLS MSG ME FOR ADDRESS. HE LIVES IN CP BUT IS VERY ISOLATED. THANK YOU. Joanne Rajguru🥳
Sandra James Angell Happy 100th Birthday Fred !
John Morrow Fred Dunlop is my grand-uncle, the youngest brother (and second youngest sibling) of my maternal grandmother Effie Ann Robertson, née Dunlop, formerly Cooper. He is the second of the family to reach his 100th birthday, his brother Norman achieving that milestone on January 11, 2008, and dying December 27, 2010, 15 days short of his103rd birthday I was able tp arrange an honorary membership for Uncle Norman in the Dunlop Clan Society based in the United States, but was unable to make a similar connection for Uncle Fred.
Stuart McIntosh I worked with and for Norman in the sixties…nice hardworking man. His sister, Alice was married to Neil McIntosh; again a wonderful hardworking person who donated incredible energy towards church, community and family – especially the McIntosh Clan of which her son is Chieftain. I recall Norman cutting wood at Alice’s during sugar making… very proud to have known them both.
Carol McDonald Des and Jean Moore , my parents knew him.wishing Mr Dunlop a Very Happy Birthday, hope he enjoys a very special time!
Shelley Munro Happy birthday Fred!
Susan White Happy Birthday to you Fred, and many more!
Louise Miles Yes i know Fred through is son John. My dad, Tex Morris knew him too. Happy birthday Fred🎂🥂. Can we say, many more.???
Real Arsenault—From soldier to soldier, have a safe birthday on your 100th survival year, Fred.
Thank you for your years of service.
Linda Nilson-Rogers Thank you Fred! Happy Birthday!
Mike Jones Happy birthday sir
David Coot-
David Coot —Happy Birthday Uncle Fred. Wishing you a great day. As we were not in touch much, I am your sister Effie’s second youngest son. It’s a great milestone to reach the age that you’re at.
Hi Linda,As I posted on the site, Fred is my 2nd cousin, 3x removed. I found out about a month or so ago that I had a set of 5G grandparents that had settled in Lanark Co in 1821, they (Andrew Smith 1778-1845 & Margaret Smith 1786-1871) came over on the George Canning and according to the published history I’ve received they settled on Lot 10, Con 5, Ramsay Twp, Lanark Co).Their daughter, Jane Smith (1805-1889) married Alexander Stevenson (1805-1888). Their oldest daughter, Margaret (1830-1897) is my GGG grandmother. Her sister, Euphemia (1842-1928) married John Liddle Dunlop (1837-1914) and they are Fred Dunlop’s grandparents through his father, William Dunlop (1873-1957) and mother, Anne Alice McKay (1878-1953).I’ve joined the Lanark Co Genealogical Society where I met Fred’s nephew, Don Cooper and his wife, Fran.All the best,Patrick LengyelWinnipeg Canadajwplengyel@shaw.caPS – Margaret married Thomas McFarlane and homesteaded in Mayborough, ON, then East Wawanosh, ON (Huron Co) and a third and final homestead in Carberry, MB (which I am going to visit in 2 days for the first time). Their oldest daughter married my great-great grandfather, John McDonald, in 1878 in East Wawanosh, they moved west with her parents to Carberry and then north to Dauphin in 1894 to their own homestead. From there the trail goes to Prince Alberta, SK and then Flin Flon, MB, where I was born in 1964 to one of their descendants.
The Band was Amazing but the Coke Driver Let Jack Hastie Down CPHS 1951- Delmar Dunlop
The John Dunlop Burial Site Almonte
Update on The Dunlop- Industrial Park Issue
Sometimes When You Least Expect it– The Dunlop Issue
Fred Dunlop from Stuart McIntosh-Fred Dunlop of Union Hall
This is a photograph of the Rosedale Union Hall Cheese Factory, taken about 1910. Notice the old containers which held the farmer’s milk from which the popular cheese was made. At this time, horse drawn wagons were the only way of delivering and picking up products from the factory.
A bygone era.
Editor’s Note:
Many area residents have undoubtedly heard of the old Union Hall Cheese Factory in Ramsay Township. A landmark at one time, it was well known throughout Eastern Ontario as a source of some of the most delicious cheese manufactured anywhere. Mrs. Berneice E. McKay did extensive research on the cheese factory, wrote this history of it, which will run in segments in succeeding weeks.
By, Berenice McKay.
One of Mr. John Dunlop’s accomplishments, was the building of the first cheese factory on his property in the year 1873, on the east half of lot 16 on the 1st concession of Ramsay Township.
This replaced the old milk pans, by which cheesemakers would leave milk overnight in a pan, the cream would rise to the top when cold and it would be skimmed off into a crock, when enough cream was saved to the acquired amount for the old dash churn.
Those old dash churns were a large crock about 10 to 12 inches in diameter and about 24 to 30 inches high. The also had a heavy crockery lid with a hole in the middle, and there was a long broom-like handle. On the bottom there was nailed a cross-piece a little smaller than the inside of the churn. This was made of a special wood; “white birds eye maple.” If it wasn’t it would taint the butter.
Sometimes a worker would dash away, “up and down” and keep turning the dash piece of wood. Sometimes it would take hours before the butter would break and you would know by the sound of the dashing or cream. Then the milk would separate from the butter and that, of course, was buttermilk, which some people really like. If the cream was sour, the butter was made faster. If the cream was sweet it took much longer.
In 1874 on June 4 cheese was first made in the district, and twice a day the farmers drew their milk from their cows to it vats.
During the 1874 and later, when the cheese was being made at the Rosedale Union Hall Cheese Factory, Andrew Stevenson would load a wagon up with 25 or 30 boxes of cheese, and head for Pembroke with a team of horses. At this time the building of the railroad was in full swing and camps were set up in different places.
Cheese sold from seven cents to eight cents a pound and some of the places where he stopped they bought 10 boxes of cheese from the wagon. The best place to store it was in a trench in the ground and covered over with earth; it kept quite well. One bachelor cooked everything in the fireplace and baked beans in the sand. His name was Herb Bolton and lived about a mile from Albert Miller’s. Oh the smell of that fresh bread really made one hungry.
The first factor was a picturesque three-story building with a cottage roof, and a balcony above which were four windows. (No one has pictures of this building at this time.) They were burned at the time of Wm. Dunlop’s fire.
The cheese was hoisted to the third storey and kept there until fall. The cheese had to be turned every day to be kept from molding. One 75-pound cheese fell to the floor and it just exploded when, in the fall, they were loading up to take to sell.
There was only one piece of machinery and that was the machine, that chopped the curd. Everything else was done by hand. Each cheese was pressed alone, and they weighed only 75 pounds each.
The water supply came from a spring on the Dunlop property, and was piped down to the cheese factory by the use of tamarack poles five to six inch in diameter and about 20 feet long. They were bored by a steel auger and were driven by horse power, from one end to the other of these tamarack poles. They were put together with space piping. A blacksmith made the ring to seal each joint, and it was a distance of about two hundred yards north.
In the autumn the cheese was shipped to markets. Now, the cheese is turned every day and shipped every week when they are eight days old.
Later Mr. Everett went into partnership with Mr. Dunlop and together they made repairs. They removed the top storey, which was then Mr. Wm. Dunlop’s garage (now Mr. Norman Dunlop’s garage, his son’s).
They installed steam pipes and put in a new plank floor. They had a steam pump to pump the whey into the tank outside. A new vat and boiler were installed in 1888. A few years later the cement floor and steel roof were added. The steel roof still remains on the building but is rusted somewhat.
The first cheese was very soft as it was heat-cured. However, there have been great improvements made since those days.
Mr. Albert Graham Miller was interested in learning how to make cheese, and he went to work at the cheese factory in 1901. He was 15 or 16 years old, but it was John B. Wylie who owned it then, but Jack Hitchcock was cheesemaker and he worked under his supervision.
Mr. Albert Graham Miller is still living and is a patient in the Almonte Hospital. He is blind, but what a fantastic memory. He’s in his late 90s and was married to the late May Anderson from Middleville, Ont. and they had three sons. He made cheese for 44 years in various cheese factories.
In 1927 John B. Wylie sold the Union Hall or Rosedale Cheese Factory to Producers Dairy. In 1936, Alec Moses, cheesemaker, then won the John Echlin Cup for the most amount of cheese sold on the Perth Board in Lanark County. “The Echlin Cup was donated by Mr. Echlin the cheese inspector”.
In 1949 George Affleck, who now lives in Clayton, came very close to winning the Echlin Cup for the highest average score in Lanark county.
In later years the tamarack poles were replaced with galvanized piping, but the spring water still ran into a tank in front of the cheese factory for many many years. Winter and summer, the farmers watered their horses there.
Mr. Archie Robertson, who lived across the road, got their drinking water there, and also Mr. Roy Robertson his son. They never had a well, just a cistern and pump in the house for the needs of water other than drinking.
In 1933, a well was drilled at the factory. There was also a lean-too at the north end of the factory where they put in ice.
The whey tank was on the south side of a corner of the factory and was sunk into the ground three or four feet deep.
The cheese boxes were made at Bill Nichols in Carleton Place and cost 10 cents each in 1910-1913. They had a huge basket rack and a team of horses would bring a load of 400 cheese boxes at once to the Rosedale Union Hall Cheese Factory.
Many cheese makers served the community in the years from 1874 to 1969. Among them were Mr. Breen, Deacon and Stevenson, Yates, Hitchcock (1874-1909), Albert Miller (1910-1913), King and Drynan, 1940s; Wylie, Weedmark, Lanctot, Sauve, Mrs. Haskins, 1924-1931, Alec Moses, 1931-1946, Orland Moses, Harry McIntosh, Dave McIntosh.
In 1928, there were 41 patrons at Rosedale Union Hall Cheese Factory. The number of cows totaled 410. The average selling price for cheese was 21.2 cents per pound and the average price for whey butter was 36 cents a pound.
The depression years brought hard times and in 1932 cheese sold for 9.49 cents a pound and whey butter for 10.22 cents a pound. Gradually during the thirties production and prices increased. In 1943, there were 55 patrons sending their milk to the factory.
In 1946 the patrons of Rosedale bought the factory from Producers Dairy at the cost of $2,350.
As this old cheese factory was built in 1947 by the farmers of Union Hall district.
It was agreed to sell 35 shares at $100 each, a share to the patrons of the factory.
All profits or surplus after ordinary depreciation and expenses was to be credited to a reserve fund for a new building. Roy Robertson gave the acre of land, as his share, and the patrons were also asked to give gratis six days labour of eight hours a day. The Hydro never came until 1948 to Union Hall.
In 1949 George Affleck agreed to make cheese, Sundays included, for $1 per customer for 92 score cheese, 10 percent of bonuses on 93 and 94 score cheese and eight cents per pound for manufacturing butter.
Wood was tendered for each year. In 1950, 100 cords of wood was purchased. It cost from $6.50 and $9 per cord delivered.
Rosedale Union Hall Cheese Factory operated about 30 weeks out of the year. Usually beginning the latter part of April and closing in mid November.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
12 Sep 1942, Sat • Page 31
The Ottawa Journal
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
11 Dec 1968, Wed • Page 59
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
30 Dec 1939, Sat • Page 5
From the files of Clifford Thornton from his son Nikki Thornton
My grandfather and father, Albert and Warren Craig helped frame that building
Thomas Craig never knew that Tom. Hopefully it’s well documented
Of course its the connection to your/our family that they were there.While building my home an electrician wiring my house, Currie, let on that he carried nails for my grandfather on that job.
It’s sad to see it falling down!
The old factory was only 1/4 mile from the new one. My Uncle Bill Mcintosh told me that after the cows were milked at Roy Robertson’s barn across the road from the cheese factory Orland Moses put the cans of milk in a water tank at the factory which was fed by a cold spring next to Dunlop’s. In the early sixties we gassed up the old /47 Fargo sometimes at McKay’s garage (original factory) after delivering milk to the (new) factory. Unless there was a long lineup, it only took 35 minutes round trip to dump the milk, wash the cans, steam them and be back home. Lots to do before school time.
Dawn Jones not sure exactly Dawn but I delivered our milk there at least until 1965 because I was driving our old truck there despite not having a driver’s license nor a driver’s door… lol
Stuart McIntosh I was born in 63 and cannot ever remember it being open. I’m sure you weren’t the only unlicensed driver on the road!
Dawn Jones met a police car just before pulling into the factory one morning. With no door on the driver’s side, I thought he’d surely stop but he just looked and kept going. Harold James had no doors on his truck and sometimes a kid with him. I was 13.
Linda Camponi that looks after local history sent a pic of my mom when she was 18..19 yrs old.. My sister and I have never seen it before. It is posted on the veterans wall at Union Hall.. I have her service medals. It sure makes me proud of my mom.
She is originally from Carleton Place..they owned 2 farms one is behind the Rona in Carleton Place.. I believe the barn is still there. There was a huge stone home further back where new houses are being build. I have an egg cup from the stone house that I have had since 1966. Cheryl Cleroux
finally found what L.A.W. meant on Mom’s picture.. Leading Aircraft Women..that was a surprise.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
11 Jul 1981, Sat • Page 58
lindaseccaspina 