19th Century Downie, Perth County, OntarioAvonton, Avonbank, Kastnerville and St. Paul's |
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Origin and Names
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Avonton is a pretty village on the Avon, about seven miles from Stratford, and an equal distance from St. Marys. This place was founded by Mr. Archibald Shiels, in 1852. Mr. Shiels was for several years clerk of Downie, and erected a store at this point, afterwards obtaining a post office. There is also a sawmill, blacksmith shop and a neat Presbyterian church. This village, especially in summer, is very picturesque, nestling low down in the valley along the stream. Avonbank, a short distance further west, has a Presbyterian church, a large cheese factory, public hall and post office. Kastnerville, a short distance east of Sebringville, was founded by a family of Germans, named Kastner, also pioneer settlers in this district. This is a pleasant country village, although its commercial progress has not been so great as that in the west. Stratford, a few miles away, has absorbed all that trade which naturally would have centred in Kastnerville, thus retarding its advancement. St. Paul's, or "St. Palls," as it was formerly known, is a station on the G.T.R., and contains a store and postoffice. In 1877, this point was chosen as the capital of Downie, and a township hall erected, where the municipal council meets for business. Considerable quantities of farm produce are shipped at this point. In other sections of Downie are Conroy, Harmony, Fairview. and Wildwood, all post offices. Sebringville, Ontario was partly in Downie. Link: Downie, Ontario by William Johnston |