All EHS meetings are open to the public at no charge!
Upcoming Meetings
Wed. 12th June, 2019 WALKING TOUR OF ACTON
A section of downtown Acton will be explored on foot under the direction of historian John Mark Rowe. Highlights will include the Town Hall Centre, McKinnon Funeral Home, Acton Optical, Moorecroft, St. Joseph’s Church and the post office. Wear walking shoes!
ACTON TOWN HALL CENTRE, 19 Willow Street North, Acton, 7:00 p.m.
Past Speakers and Events
Wed. 8th May, 2019 LOST HERITAGE TREASURES Esquesing has been prosperous and growing throughout its 200-year history which means many buildings have come and gone. EHS executive members have selected several properties in our collection that have been demolished. Reminiscences on these properties scattered across the township will be welcome! KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St. S., Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. 10th April, 2019 THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF PETER JONES Peter Jones was a free-lance photographer in Georgetown who provided photographs for The Georgetown Herald for many years. EHS Archivist, John Mark Rowe, will share a selection of his pieces from our own photo archives. KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St. S., Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. 13th March, 2019 NOTABLE TREES IN HALTON Bill McIlveen will take us on a tour of notable trees scattered throughout Halton that have noticeable physical characteristics, special cultural significance or a combination of both. KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St. S., Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. 13th Feb., 2019 THE EXCHANGE HOTEL Local railway historian Jim Waldbusser will share his extensive research into the Exchange Hotel, across from the Georgetown VIA Rail/ GO station. Come and hear about the long and illustrious history of this landmark and the planned future for the 165 year old structure. KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St., S., Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. 9th Jan., 2019 DESIGNATED HOMES IN HALTON HILLS Drawing from the Heritage Register compiled by Heritage Halton Hills, John Mark Rowe and Ray Denny will give a pictorial history of the designated buildings currently used as private residences throughout Halton Hills. KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St., S. Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. 14th Nov., 2018 LEST WE FORGET One hundred years have passed since Armistice Day. Like countless Canadian communities, we built memorials and cenotaphs and placed plaques to honour the largest loss of life in war ever. John Mark Rowe will visit our local places of remembrance. A display table will be available to share your own memories. KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St. S., Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. 10th Oct., 2018 THOMAS CHISHOLM LIVINGSTON An Esquesing native who became a surveyor and an entrepreneur of national significance, Thomas Chisholm Livingston will be the topic of John McDonald’s Powerpoint presentation. KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St., S., Georgetown, 7:30 p.m
Sun. 30th Sept., 2018 WALKING TOUR OF DOWNTOWN GEORGETOWN Join local historian John Mark Rowe as he leads a walking tour of downtown Georgetown as part of Open Doors / Cultural Days Halton Hills. HALTON HILLS PUBLIC LIBRARY, 9 Church St., Georgetown,
Wed. 12th September, 2018 DIGGING HALTON The hobby of metal detecting will be explored by Kevin Flynn, who will share some of his adventures and his finds. He has many episodes on his YouTube channel “Digging Halton.” There may even be a demonstration! KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St., S., Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Sun. 1st July, 2018 WALKING TOUR OF GLEN WILLIAMS
Start your Canada Day with local historian Mark Rowe as he leads a walking tour of Glen Williams Main Street before the parade starts. WILLIAMS MILL, 515 Main Street, Glen Williams, 10:00 a.m.
Wed. 13th June, 2018 WALKING TOUR OF DOWNTOWN GEORGETOWN
Join local historian Mark Rowe as he leads a walking tour of downtown Georgetown. Lemonade will be served after the walk. Note the early start time. KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St. S., Georgetown, 7:00 p.m.
Wed. 9th May, 2018 LOCAL ANECDOTES
It’s the stories connected to a person, place or an event that makes history so fascinating. Join the EHS executive as they share a few good old-time stories with slides and contribute to the fun yourself. Come to listen or come to share! KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St. S., Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. 11th April, 2018 PRECONFEDERATION HERITAGE BUILDINGS
Drawing from a list of researched properties compiled by Heritage Halton Hills,
John Mark Rowe and Ray Denny will give a short history of several buildings
throughout Halton Hills. This is rescheduled from January. KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St. S., Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. 14th March, 2018 NEW WAYS OF EXPLORING OLD STUFF
Ann Lawlor of Devereaux House will welcome us to hear about the unique way the Board of Devereaux House and the Halton Region Museum have created quick little stories about the Devereaux family and farm life. Then visitors will be invited to “poke around” the house and see what they can discover!
DEVEREAUX HOUSE, 11494 Trafalgar Road, Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. 14th February 2018 THE “SPANISH” INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC OF 1918
The guest speaker at our AGM this year will be Bill McIlveen who has prepared
this presentation on the effects of the Spanish ‘Flu epidemic of 1918 which
travelled around the world with returning soldiers, killing more people than the
Great War, itself.
KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St. S., Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. 10th January 2018 PRECONFEDERATION HERITAGE BUILDINGS
Drawing from a list of researched properties compiled by Heritage Halton Hills,
John Mark Rowe and Ray Denny will give a short history of several buildings
throughout Halton Hills.
Cancelled due to inclement weather
Wed. 8th November 2017 CREELMAN KNITTING MACHINES – THEN & NOW Perhaps you’ve seen Tammy Lambert at the Georgetown Market selling her socks. They are made with her Creelman Money Maker Knitting machine which she will demonstrate for us all after a short history of the company.
KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St. S., Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed, 11th October 2017 HONOURING LOCAL HOCKEY
Local hockey supporters Bryan Lewis and Finn Poulstrup will join Dave Kentner to
recall Georgetown’s hockey heritage in commemoration of the centennial of the
NHL. The Halton Hills Sports Museum will be set up to allow exploration of their
exhibits on hockey and other sports.
HH SPORTS MUSEUM, Mold-Masters Sportsplex, Alcott Arena, 2nd Floor,
Alcott Drive, Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. 13th September 2017 A FARM IN THE FAMILY Town of Halton Hills Councillor and long-time columnist Ted Brown will be
presenting the 191-year history of life on the Brown family farm in Limehouse.
Through deeds, documents, photos, farm structures and oral history, Ted will
chronicle typical life on a family farm in Esquesing Township of Halton County.
KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St. S., Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. 14th June 2017 HORNBY – GATEWAY TO TWO TOWNSHIPS The Trafalgar Historical Society will be joining the EHS to share the history of Hornby with slides and tales of days gone by. While refreshments will be served at 7:00 p.m. as usual, come early to explore the interesting churchyard and cemetery in the long summer evening. ST. STEPHEN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 14946 Steeles Ave., Hornby, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. 12th April 2017 THE RESULT OF REBELLION: North American Political Prisoners in Van Diemen’s Land
Dr. John Carter will investigate the 1837-1838 Upper Canadian Rebellion/Patriot War, and their consequences and aftermath. He will reflect upon the 92 English speaking rebels who were transported to Van Diemen’s Land as political prisoners, and speak about their lives in this far away penal colony. KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Main Street, Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. 8th March 2017 CHANGING FEATURES IN THE RURAL ENVIRONMENT EHS member Bill McIlveen will give a presentation on this topic. KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Main Street, Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. 8th Feb. 2017 BOMBERS, FLYING SAUCERS AND THE AVRO ARROW
Dave Cook, who worked as a radio news announcer, reporter and Mississauga councillor will be presenting a variety of stories of historical interest. The exciting title of his talk alludes to the range of topics he will cover. He will have his books available for purchase.
KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Main Street, Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. 11th Jan. 2017 CANADA’S CENTENNIAL YEAR
Travel back 50 years and enjoy pictures from the EHS collection from 1967, Canada’s centennial year. As Centennial projects, Georgetown opened Cedarvale Park and Acton opened a brand new Library. We have images of them all!
KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Main Street, Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. 9th Nov. 2016 CANADIANS AND THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA
Former teacher and historian Doug Wrigglesworth will join us to show images and tell us about the role of Canada in the Boer War. He will drop names familiar to many -like Arthur Conon Doyle, Sam Steele, Lord Strathcona and Robert Baden Powell!
KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Main Street, Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed 9 June, 2016 NORVAL VILLAGE WALKING TOUR
Stroll through the streets of Norval village and learn about its history from life-long resident Kathy Gastle, former Mayor of Halton Hills and President of the Norval Lucy Maud Montgomery Society.
Wed 11 May, 2016 “THE CURSED FENIANS!”
Local historian and author Rev. Rick Ruggle will revisit the Fenian Raids of 1866 and regale us with tales of their “attacks” on Canada and our response, leading to the formal organization of our militia.
KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Main Street, Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wedneday 13 April, 2016 THE STREET ARAB –BRITISH HOME CHILDREN
Sandra Joyce, author of three books on British Home Children will speak about her search for her father’s family. She discovered that this child migrant scheme brought more than 120,000 children to Canada as indentured farm workers and domestics. Sandra will speak about the contribution of these migrants to our country.
KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Main Street, Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday 09 March, 2016 CHANGES IN THE FRUIT AND VEGETABLE INDUSTRY IN HALTON AND PEEL COUNTIES
Join Dr. W.D. (Bill) McIlveen as he outlines the rise and decline of the fruit and vegetable industry in Halton and Peel over the course of European settlement.
KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Main Street, Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. 10 Feb. 2016 HISTORY OF ONTARIO FENCES
Local historian Rob Burnett will survey the fields of Esquesing and beyond in his history of fencing in the farmers’ fields in Ontario. Rob will speak after our brief Annual General Meeting reports and elections.
KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Main Street, Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed 13 Jan. 2016 ROOM FOR THE NIGHT
Hotels and their attendant bar rooms have been a feature of settlements from the beginning. Local historian Mark Rowe will take us on a tour of the “Hotels” of Esquesing, exploring the history of road-side watering holes to the finest
establishments in town.
KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Main Street, Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.