All EHS meetings are open to the public at no charge!
Upcoming Meetings
Wed. April 9, 2025 THE BICENTENNIAL OF LEATHERTOWN: Celebrating 200 years of History since Acton’s Settlement Be sure to join Scott Brooks of Vintage Acton as he takes you on a historical journey back in time to when the Adams Brothers settled the area of Acton in 1825. Historic photos of the past will accompany the presentation. A perfect way to celebrate and honour Acton’s Bicentennial. ACTON TOWN HALL CENTRE, 19 Willow Street, Acton, ON, 7:00 p.m.
Wed. May 14, 2025 HERITAGE HALTON HILLS Heritage Halton Hills has continued their designation work throughout Halton Hills. HHH members Mark Rowe and Ray Denny will provide updates on the several buildings designated in 2024. This topic has been carried forward from the February 12th snowstorm. KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St., S., Georgetown, 7:00 p.m.
Wed. June 11, 2025 WALKING TOUR OF NORVAL Local historian, Cathy Gastle, will highlight the Lucy Maud Montgomery Garden For The Senses and the LMM Museum cottage as we wander through the village. NORVAL PARK, 477 Guelph Street, Norval, ON, 7:00 p.m.
Past Speakers and Events
Wed. March. 12, 2025 RUN AND GET A QUART OF MILK If you have heard that before, you know about corner stores or the village shop. Join us for an interactive meeting about convenience stores throughout Esquesing over the years. The EHS photo collection will be use to prompt memories of Beckers, Mac’s Milk, Speyside store, Wheeler’s store, C.K. Browne’s, King Variety … The list goes on! Bring along any memorabilia you’d like to share. The Annual General Meeting precedes the presentation. KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St., S., Georgetown, 7:00 p.m.
Wed. Jan. 8, 2025 TO MARKET VIA THE TAVERN Before the advent of rail, farmers had to team their wheat to Oakville harbour to get the best prices. The long lonely drive was brightened by a stop or two at taverns lining Trafalgar Road. Mark Rowe will travel Trafalgar Road and stop at every tavern on the way, regaling us with stories and tales. Hop on the wagon and enjoy the ride! KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St., S., Georgetown, 7:00 p.m.
Wed. Nov. 13, 2024 BATTLE OF VIMY RIDGE The Battle of Vimy Ridge is perhaps one of the most important events in Canadian history. The cultural importance of the battle is known by most but how did the battle unfold and what effects did it have on the larger war? Charles Veale will explore these questions and will examine some of our local connections to the battle, including his visit to the grave of a Georgetown soldier at Vimy Ridge. KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St., S., Georgetown, 7:00 p.m.
Wed. Oct. 9, 2024 GEORGETOWN RUNNERS Anne Wilford, a member of this group has agreed to talk about the group formation and charitable activities. KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St., S., Georgetown, 7:00 p.m.
Wed. Sept. 11, 2024 BEAUMONT KNITTING MILLS Samuel Penrice started working at the Beaumont Knitting Mills and later purchased it. His son, Doug Penrice, the last owner of the knitting operation, will share his family story connected to this iconic business.
Wed. June 12, 2024 BOSTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Charles Veale will share the very interesting history of Boston Presbyterian Church in this joint meeting with the Nassageweya Historical Society. Be sure to allow time to wander the old-world tombstones of the earliest settlers in Esquesing. BOSTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 9185 Third Line, Halton Hills, 7:00 p.m.
Mon. July 1, 2024 GLEN WILLIAMS WALKING TOUR Kick off Canada Day with a morning stroll through the village of Glen Williams with local historian Mark Rowe. The tour will conclude with plenty of time to secure a good spot to watch the noon parade through the village.
Wed. July 10, 2024 GLEN WILLIAMS CEMETERY TOUR Halton Hills Public Library is sponsoring a walking tour of the Glen cemetery, led by Mark Rowe. Be aware of the uneven ground as you walk towards the lookout! There is a limited registration of approximately 15 people. All attendees must register through the program calendar ( https://calendar.hhpl.ca/default/Detail/2024-07-10-1900-Glen-Williams-Cemetery-Tour) as requested by the cemetery board in case of liability or cancellation due to an internment. Registration will open on May 31. GLEN WILLIAMS CEMETERY, 23 Prince Street, Glen Williams, 7:00 p.m..
Wed. May 08, 2024 OUR HOUSE AND ALL THE PEOPLE THAT CALLED IT HOME Pam Dickinson has compiled a detailed history of her house from the Kennedy family to the Dickinsons. She will share anecdotes from her book about the research and sleuthing involved and about the families themselves! KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St., S., Georgetown, 7:00 p.m.
Wed. April 10, 2024 POSTAL HISTORY OF ESQUESING Nathan Hillier will draw on his collection and the EHS archives to share the postal history of Esquesing Township. KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St., S., Georgetown, 7:00 p.m.
Wed. March 13, 2024 CONFUSING LOCAL NAMES Have you been to Gamble’s Corners, McCullough’s Corner or Dublin? Local names, past and present, will be explored by the EHS. KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St., S., Georgetown, 7:00 p.m.
Wed. Feb. 14, 2024 HERITAGE HALTON HILLS Prompted by provincial legislation, Heritage Halton Hills has had a busy year researching, writing reports and recommending historic designations to the Halton Hills Council. HHH members, Ray Denny and Mark Rowe, will review the several new designated properties. ……….ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING …………….. KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St., S., Georgetown, 7:00 p.m.
Wed. Jan. 10, 2024 HALTON HILLS, THE SUM OF ITS PARTS: 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF HALTON HILLS Although the Town of Halton Hills was formed 50 years ago, it was a marriage of disparate communities. Historian Mark Rowe will examine the several communities throughout the new municipality and how they responded to the growth and challenges of regional government. The meeting will be preceded by a reception and words from the Mayor from 6:00 to 7:15. All are invited to this free event but tickets (free) are required for this presentation and reception. JOHN ELLIOT THEATRE, 8 Church Street, Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. Nov. 8, 2023 A HISTORY OF THE LORNE SCOTS REGIMENT The Lorne Scots (Peel, Dufferin and Halton regiment), the local militia (army reserves) regiment has served Canada and the local community since before Confederation. While its official birthday is September 1866, its history predates the War of 1812. A company of the regiment has been in Georgetown since 1863 and has included many residents who have served in war and peace. Charles Veale will present the history of the regiment starting with the 1793 Militia Act and continuing to the COVID-19 pandemic and will touch on a few more recent developments. KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St., S., Georgetown, 7:00 p.m.
Wed. Oct. 11, 2023 BUILDERS OF NORTH HALTON: MACKENZIE FAMILY
Sandy Mackenzie will be sure to share some tales about his family as the EHS provides a slide show of pictures from the Archives. No study of buildings in Acton and Georgetown can be complete without knowing about J.B. Mackenzie and family. KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St., S., Georgetown, 7:00 p.m.
Wed. Oct. 4, 2023 GEORGETOWN WALKING TOUR Halton Hills Library is pleased to invite you to join local historian John Mark Rowe for an hour-long walking tour of downtown Georgetown. Public Library Plaza, 8 Church St., Georgetown, 6 p.m.
Wed. Sept. 13, 2023 TORONTO SUBURBAN RAILWAY WALK Follow the route of the Radial railway through downtown Georgetown with local historian John Mark Rowe. History of the TSR and the neighbourhood it passed through, will be shared for all the enjoy! Meet at the GEORGE KENNEDY MURAL on the side of The Carpet Barn, Mill & Back Streets, Georgetown, 7:00 p.m.
Wed. July 1, 2023 GLEN WILLIAMS WALKING TOUR Kick off Canada Day with a morning stroll through the village of Glen Williams with local historian Mark Rowe. The tour will conclude with plenty of time to secure a good spot to watch the noon parade through the village. WILLIAMS MILL PARKING LOT, 515 Main Street, Glen Williams, 10:00 a.m.
Wed. June 14, 2023 GLEN WILLIAMS WALKING TOUR Local historian, Mark Rowe, brings the society back to the Glen for an evening walking tour. Unlike earlier tours we will begin at the Beaumont Mill Antiques building. This walk will include climbing a hill so wear your runners! BEAUMONT MILL ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES, 586 Main Street, Glen Williams, 6:30 p.m.
Wed. May 10, 2023 THE ARMS AND FLAGS OF ESQUESING AND HALTON HILLS: LOCAL, PROVINCIAL AND FEDERAL Heraldry and vexillology are two related disciplines that most people probably do not realize they come across every day. However, the study of the coat of arms and flags often more directly links to the history of the local area than most people think. Charles Veale will take a look at the Arms and Flags of the local area at every level of government from the founding of Esquesing Township to the present day. We will also look at the badges of local organizations that are unique to the area. “THE STUDIO,” HALTON HILLS CULTURAL CENTRE, 9 Church St., Georgetown, 7:00 p.m.
Wed. April 12, 2023 THE CORONATION In preparation for the May 6th Coronation of our King and Queen, the EHS is preparing a presentation on Coronation activities in this area from the past. We even have home movies of the Georgetown Coronation Parade. Please join us and bring your Coronation Day memories. If you have film of an event, contact us to have it digitized and included in our presentation. “THE STUDIO,” HALTON HILLS CULTURAL CENTRE, 9 Church St., Georgetown, 7:00 p.m.
Wed. Mar 8, 2023 THE STORY OF HUNGRY HOLLOW Anyone who has lived in Georgetown has heard of Hungry Hollow. Where is Hungry Hollow? How did it get its name? Who named it? The answers to these questions may surprise you. Join local historian Mark Rowe as he leads us through the story of Hungry Hollow. “THE STUDIO,” HALTON HILLS CULTURAL CENTRE, 9 Church St., Georgetown, 7:00 p.m.
Wed. Feb. 8, 2023. EATON FAMILY Dave Bartlett, who started bottle collecting in the 1970’s found one of the first sealer bottles he received was an Eaton’s Sealer Jar. This led him to learn and collect more information about Eaton’s Canada. During the early part of the 1900’s it was the lifeline for rural Canada to grow and develop. Dave has collected books and items of interest from Eaton’s and realized how important they were to the small towns across Canada. Dave joins us to share his presentation. “THE STUDIO,” HALTON HILLS CULTURAL CENTRE, 9 Church St., Georgetown, 7:00 p.m.
Wed. Jan. 11, 2023 HERITAGE HALTON HILLS Since last January, Heritage Halton Hills has continued their designation work. Heritage Halton Hills members John Mark Rowe and Ray Denny will provide updates on the recently designated buildings in Halton Hills and discuss pending designations “THE STUDIO,” HALTON HILLS CULTURAL CENTRE, 9 Church St., Georgetown, 7:00 p.m.
Wed. Nov. 9, 2022 THE TOWN OF GEORGETOWN The centenary of the Town of Georgetown and the eve of Georgetown’s bi-centennial will be explored by local historian John Mark Rowe. KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St., S., Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. Oct. 12, 2022 TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT AND PROHIBITION IN HALTON COUNTY The evils of drink and prohibition victory of the Temperance movement in Halton County will be explored by local historian John McDonald. The benefits and consequences of this period will be examined. KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St., S., Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. Sept. 14, 2022 THE QUEEN OF WALKING TOURS Queen Victoria, arriving at the Grand Trunk Station, would have enjoyed this tour of the historic street named in her honour! Join EHS historian John Mark Rowe as we explore the architecture and people that helped shape Queen Street since it was laid out in 1854. GEORGETOWN GO STATION parking lot, 55 Queen Street, Georgetown 7:00 P.M.
Fri. July 1, 2022 GLEN WILLIAMS WALKING TOUR – Canada Day celebrations return to the Glen this year. Join John Mark Rowe for a walking tour of Main Street, lasting just over an hour — you’ll be able to return to your favourite perch in time to watch the parade go by. WILLIAMS MILL parking lot, 515 Main St., Glen Williams 10:00 A.M.
Wed. June 8, 2022 WALKING TOUR – PIONEER CEMETERY AND PROSPECT PARK We will meet in the parking lot at the front of the Dufferin Centre at Prospect Park, 30 Park Avenue, Acton in Acton. It is an early starting time. – 7:00 PM
Wed. May 11, 2022 AMUSEMENT PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS IN HALTON Perhaps Halton is not at the top of the list in people’s imaginations if the question is asked “Where might the local population find fun things to do with their leisure time?” But with a little reflection, a rather long list of sites that have offered some form of recreation can be developed. Not surprisingly, the type of recreation that has been offered has changed over the last nearly 180 years. Bill McIlveen will review the variety of activities that have been available to take our attention away from the more mundane working-day life. KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St., S., Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. April 13, 2022 HALTON COUNTY COURTHOUSE & GAOL Sensational trials and public hangings put the Halton County courthouse and gaol in the spotlight. Lawyers, judges and clerks worked at the Milton Courthouse since it opened in 1855. What stories those walls can tell! John McDonald will regale us with some tales at our spring meeting. Knox Presbyterian Church, 116 Main St., S., Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. March 9, 2022 LIMEHOUSE HERITAGE Heritage Halton Hills members John Mark Rowe and Ray Denny will update members on the latest Heritage endeavours and will focus on heritage in Limehouse, especially recent designations. KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St., S., Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. February 9, 2022 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING This will be an in-person meeting at Knox Church at 7:30 p.m.? Proof of vaccine and wearing a mask will be required. There will be a maximum 35 people. No refreshments will be served. A microphone and speaker will be used to aid in hearing due to wearing a mask.
Wed. January 12, 2022 CANCELLED DUE TO COVID 19
Wed. November 10, 2021 RECENTLY POSTED LOCAL HISTORY The November newsletter will feature links to several on-line
presentations featuring local history. You may, of course, view these
items at your leisure or on our usual meeting date! We will not meet in person. Your place!
Wed. October 13, 2021 TRAINING HOMES FOR JUVENILES Local historian Mark Rowe will provide an introduction to the
philosophy of training homes for young people, that were established
in Georgetown. Beginning with the unique experiment of bringing
Armenian refugees to Cedarvale, the talk will also explore the
Bernardo Boys, Cedarvale School for Girls, Notre Dame de
Beauregard and the Canadian Jewish Farm School. Bring your lawn
chair, blanket and umbrella?? as we gather in the new Library Plaza.
A speaker system will be used.
GEORGETOWN LIBRARY, 9 Church Street at 6:30 p.m
Wed. 8th September 2021 WALKING TOUR OF GEORGETOWN Join local historian Mark Rowe on a walking tour of downtown
Georgetown. We will gather in the new public square at the
Georgetown Library. A speaker system will allow for greater
distancing between walkers.
GEORGETOWN LIBRARY, 9 Church Street, 7:00 p.m.
Wed. 11th March 2020 A SHADOW OF ITS FORMER SELF: MONO MILLS IN THE 19TH CENTURY Today Mono Mills is a small hamlet that barely garners the attention of those who pass through it. However, in the 19th century Mono Mills was a busy village that played and instrumental role in the settlement of the Headwaters Region. Kurt McMurray will trace the history of Mono Mills from its origins in 1819 to its decline in the 1890’s, stopping at all the colourful moments along the way.
Wed. 12th Feb. 2020 VINTAGE ACTON: THE CALENDAR COLLECTION Anne McIntyre will present slides and stories from a historical book published this year to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the naming of Acton. ‘Vintage Acton: the Calendar Collection’ was created on behalf of Heritage Acton drawing on the articles written for their annual historical calendar for the years 2003 to 2019. Anne is looking forward to the sharing of stories from those who are able to attend. KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St., S., Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. 8th Jan. 2020 DISCOVER THE TOWN’S NEW TOUR PROGRAM
Catherine McLeod, Senior Arts and Culture Specialist with the Town of Halton Hills will present the Town’s new self-guided tour program ‘Discover the Hills’. Pilot tours of Glen Williams and Acton will be presented for discussion and input.
KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St., S., Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. 13th Nov. 2019 EVENTS THAT CHANGED ESQUESING TOWNSHIP
Several members of the executive of the EHS will explore events that affected the people of Esquesing over the past 200 years of our history. The plank roads, 1837 Rebellion, Coming of the Railways, WWI, WWII and Regional Government are examples of events to be discussed.
KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 116 Main St., S., Georgetown, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. 9th Oct. 2019 THE SETTLEMENTS OF ESQUESING TOWNSHIP
Ray Denny will continue the 200th anniversary celebration by exploring the settlements of the Township from Crewson’s Corners to Whaley’s Corners! What commodity did each community contribute to the economy of the Township?
ACTON TOWN HALL, 19 Willow Street, North, Acton, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. 11th Sept. 2019 THE EARLY YEARS OF ESQUESING TOWNSHIP
John Mark Rowe begins the celebration of 200 years of settlement by exploring the pre-history, survey and first years of settlement in Esquesing township with a short walk and slide show in the cradle of Esquesing’s history.
ST. JOHN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 10996 Trafalgar Road, Stewarttown, 7 pm