Atwood, Perth County, Ontario1850 - 1902 |
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Origin and Names
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Atwood, the most important business centre in the township of Elma was last to be founded, and did not come into existence until subsequent to constructing the southern extension of the Wellington, Grey and Bruce Railway in 1875. About 1850 Charles Coulter located in Elma, where he afterwards opened a post office, named Newry, in which he was postmaster till 1864. During that year Daniel Falconer built a general store in Newry, and was followed by Thomas Fullarton. A hotel was erected in 1856, and a blacksmith shop by John Morrison. Newry for several years was a prosperous village, being centrally located equidistant from Listowel and Monkton. In 1875 the W., G. & B. Railway was built, and the first locomotive whistle on this road seemed to sound like a death-knell to future prosperity in Newry. About half a mile north of the village a station was erected, which was known as Newry Station. Another post office was also opened, known also by that name. This led to confusion in mail matter, and it was determined to adopt a new name. In 1851 a log tavern had been erected by one William Blair. This house of public entertainment and its environs were known as Elma Centre. Newry station soon outstripped its sister villages in commercial importance, and to remove those postal inconveniences in connection with names a change had to be made. A public meeting was called, and several names suggested; amongst others were Ladybank, Dunedin, and Renwick, all quite euphonious. Mr. Renwick was the apostle of Presbyterianism in this section, and his coreligionists were desirous of honouring him through the name of this new town. The other names brought forward are quite suggestive of the nationality of the pioneer settlers in this neighbourhood. Over such a momentous question as naming a new town, discussion was animated and prolonged. Diversity of opinion and persistent disputation seemed to threaten a possible solution. In this dilemma a young lady suggested the name "Atwood," which was hailed by opposing orators with delight, and brought to a happy and peaceful termination this terrible struggle. Since that period Atwood has become a place of importance, with a population of over 700 souls. Several brick blocks have been erected, and excellent sidewalks laid for public convenience. Here are also express, telegraph, and newspaper offices, good hotels, and stores of every description, where goods can be obtained to satisfy the most fastidious tastes. Meantime a grist mill, saw mill, flax mill, and a planing mill have been erected, giving employment to a large number of men. There is also a factory where washing machines, tanks, and screen doors are manufactured, with other small woodenware. No history of this progressive village would be complete without special mention of its spacious private residences. These are of a high class, and often equal, if not superior, to those found in older places, both as to architectural design and appointments. In keeping with other improvements, education has not been neglected. An excellent school building has been erected, where an average of 115 pupils attend daily for instruction. Two teachers are employed - Mr. Anderson, who is principal, with one female assistant. Atwood has an excellent public library of over 1,500 volumes, and, like all other business centres, among its citizens are representative of nearly all the benevolent societies, in numerous instances doing a great work for the amelioration of the people. On January 17th, 1890, was issued the first copy of the Atwood Bee, by R. S. Pelton. This paper, through the energy and ability of its proprietor, has been a great success. It is most creditable to Mr. Pelton that in its columns from time to time can be found a really valuable historical record of a large section of this county. From a small beginning the Bee, in 1901, was removed into a new brick building, fully equipped as a first-class printing-office. During 1902 the present editor and proprietor, Mr. Anderson, came into possession of the Bee, Mr. Pelton having sold and acquired a large business in another section. Other communities in Elma Township included: Britton, Donegal, Monkton, Newry, Trowbridge Links: Anglicans in 19th Century Atwood, Ontario - Founding of Elma, Ontario |