NORTH MIDDLESEX: HOW IT CAME TO BE
A new history of North Middlesex is being written in conjunction with the 150th
Anniversary Celebrations in North Middlesex.
This history is based on the
Parkhill and District Centennial History
written in 1960. This book was intended to be an update to that book, but has expanded
much beyond the original mandate.
The original book had short histories of the townships of Williams which was split
into East and West Williams, and of McGillivray. The three modern townships each
produced an extensive history of the township before the townships were merged into
the Municipality of North Middlesex. Since these histories were so complete, the
section in this new book for each of the townships includes a brief historical summary,
an update on the history from publication of the township history to amalgamation,
and bits and pieces of historical interest not included in other books.
The history of Ailsa Craig did not appear in the 1960 Centennial book, but has been
added in this new book. In addition to the history presented here, a companion History
of Ailsa Craig is in the works which will include family histories. Be sure to watch
for it. It will be far more than a duplicate of what appears in this book.
The Parkhill section of the book has been greatly expanded, with many historical
photos, and as much new information as could be assembled in the eighteen months
available for the writing of this book.
Also documented is the formation of the Municipality of North Middlesex, and a look
at some of the people from North Middlesex (from early days to the present) who
lived here at one time, and went out into the world to leave a significant mark.
The following are the sections of the book:
1.“In the Beginning”: A look at the pre-history of North Middlesex, the Canada Company,
Williams Township and the early Military.
2.“The Township of McGillivray”
3.“The Township of East Williams”
4.“The Township of West Williams”
5.“The Village of Ailsa Craig”
6.“The Town of Parkhill”
7.“The Municipality of North Middlesex”
8.The Business Directory for North Middlesex in 2010 along with the history of the
businesses for our major sponsors.
The book is 440 pages and glue bound. Originaly it was planned to be 150 to 200 pages and
spiral bound. Our authors out did them selves producing a large and very enjoyable book to read.
2 sample from the book
Book Introduction
They came from North Middlesex