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KING: SHADES OF THE PAST TOUR |
The “Shades of the Past Tour” serves as a reminder of King Township’s
fascinating history. Dashed dreams and hopes, stories of success and
prosperity…King has seen it all in its more than 200 years of existence.
The logical place to begin such a tour is the King Township Museum, near King City…
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King Township Museum |
A local historical site dedicated to promoting and preserving the
history of the Township of King, the museum comprises an 1851 school
house, an 1851 church, and the 1852 King railway station, the oldest
existing train station in Ontario. Exhibits trace the history of King
from its earliest years up to the modern era, providing a comprehensive
and interesting overview of events that span more than two centuries.
The museum hosts special events, guest speakers, and educational
programs throughout the year.
Location: 2920 King Road, King City
Rates: By donation
Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 1pm to 4pm; Sunday 1pm-4pm in July and August.
Phone: (905-833-2331
Email: kingmuseum@township.king.on.ca
….travel up Dufferin to what was once an important mill-town…
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Eversley |
Located at the intersection of Dufferin Street and 15th Sideroad,
Eversley was once a teeming village. Settled in 1834, Eversley boasted
a large sawmill that provided the community with prosperity until the
early years of the 20th century. The mill was demolished in 1919, but
some relics remain. On the north-east corner of the intersection is the
former general store, now a private home. A kilometre south is the
church, erected in 1838 and made from stones gathered by farmers
plowing their fields. A hauntingly attractive building, it stands amid
leaning pioneer headstones.
…..Just north is Seneca’s King Campus…
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Eaton Hall |
Turn onto King Campus and follow the lane to the right, which leads to
Eaton Hall. Built in 1919 by Sir John Eaton of department store fame,
this majestic building was actually only a summer cottage for the
fabulously wealthy family. He didn’t live long enough to see it
completed, but Lady Eaton enjoyed it until her death in 1971. It’s now
owned by Seneca College, but the public is welcome to view the
beautiful wooded grounds and the placid waters of a prehistoric kettle
lake created by the retreating glaciers that once covered all of
Ontario.
….and finally, over to perhaps the best preserved “pioneer” community in King…
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Kettleby |
A quaint village hidden in the folds of a small river valley, Kettleby
hasn’t changed much since the 19th century. True, the mills that once
hummed along the bubbling creek are long gone, but many reminders of
the pioneer era remain. Numerous old homes dating to mid-19th century
line the treed main street; the 1873 Methodist church still stands,
though now serving as a private business; the 1891 stone Anglican
church remains a house of worship today; and the general store is open
for business. Visiting Kettleby is quite literally like stepping back
in time.
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