19th Century Hibbert, Perth County, OntarioCromarty and Staffa |
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Origin and Names
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Cromarty, Ontario, one mile and a quarter south of Staffa, was founded in 1853, by John McLaren, who built a log building, used for a dwelling and general store. A year or two subsequently to this place being opened, Mr. Joseph Reading erected another store, and a hotel was built in 1855. These commercial ventures were followed by a blacksmith's shop, carriage factory, and a planing mill. This hotel was closed some years ago, although an excellent house of public entertainment is still maintained for the travelling public, no liquors being sold. At present this little hamlet comprises two good stores, blacksmith's shop, several neat private residences, having a daily mail from Dublin. This village was named by John Ferguson, in honour of Cromarty, in Scotland, birthplace of Hugh Miller. Springhill, or Staffa, Ontario, the name by which it is now known, is situate on the centre road five miles south of Dublin, and was founded in 1854. In 1855 a gristmill was erected, which, for some reason, was not operated for several years. During 1856 a store was opened by Mr. Hill, of Mitchell, as a branch of his main establishment. This was placed in charge of Mr. Dunn, who was clerk and manager. A few years later, a saw mill was also put in operation. In 1859 was opened a hotel, although refreshments for man and beast were obtainable almost since the advent of the first adventurer in a log shanty, which had been erected, in pioneer days on Main Street. In 1856, Mr. John Butler built a blacksmith's shop, which was soon followed by that of several small industries, whose products were in demand by the settlers. When Hibbert was set apart as a separate municipality, Staffa was chosen as its capital, and a hall erected at a cost of $700 for the accommodation of the municipal government. Staffa at present contains a good hotel, two stores, churches, grist mill, saw mill, a number of neat private residences, and has a daily mail from Dublin. Link: Founding of Hibbert, Ontario |