Origin of Perth County, Ontario Place Names

Amulree - Avonton


Origin and Names
of Post Offices

Amulree - Avonton

Bornholm - Burns

Carlingford - Cromarty

Donegal - Gowrie

Hampstead - Listowel

Metropolitan - Munro

Newry - Prospect Hill

Rannoch - Science Hill

Sebringville - Stratford

Tavistock - Woodham


SOURCE:
History of Perth County
1825-1902
  Chapter IX

by William Johnston

printed in 1903 by
W. M. O'Beirne at the
Beacon Office, Stratford
 


Amulree, Ontario

In the township of North Easthope, was named after a small place of that name in Perthshire, Scotland.   A number of the early settlers from that shire in the old land, and, amongst others, one named Sandy Dallas, who kept the first hotel in Amulree, decided on the name of their native place in Scotland.   This office was opened in 1878 with Mr. A. M. Fisher as first postmaster.

Anderson, Ontario

Received its name from Frank Anderson, deceased, who was for a number of years prominent in municipal politics in Blanshard.   This office was opened in 1867 by the late H. White, first postmaster.

Atwood, Ontario

This office is in Elma, and was first opened as Newry Station postoffice in 1876, with Donald Gordon post-master.   Prior to this period an office named Newry had been opened by Mr. Coulter.   Upon the completion of the southern extension of the Wellington, Grey & Bruce Railway , a station was erected about three-quarters of a mile north of Newry, which was known as Newry Station.   Subsequently a large trade sprung up at this point, and Atwood was built.   To prevent confusion arising between the offices of Newry and Newry Station, the people of Atwood at a public meeting decided to change the name of their office.   After a long discussion and a number of names submitted to the meeting Atwood was selected.   This change occurred in 1883, Donald Gordon first postmaster at Newry Station retaining his position.

Avonbank, Ontario

Received its name from Mr. Muir as being most appropriate, on account of the high bank on which it was situate beside the River Avon.   Opened 1856 by James Muir as first postmaster. This office is in Downie.

Avonton, Ontario

Also in Downie was named by Archie Shields, who was for several years township clerk.   Its proximity to the River Avon, in a very pretty valley, suggested the name.   This office was opened in 1865 with Archie Shields as first postmaster.