INSPIRING INNOVATORS
The entrepreneurial spirit is thriving in and around Tillsonburg
Written by Gabrielle Bossy O ne hundred and ninety-four years ago, industrialist George Tillson discovered a beautiful area nestled along the banks of the Otter Creek. He dubbed the land Dereham Forge, but in fact, it was the beginning of the town known today as Tillsonburg—and the start of an entrepreneurial legacy. Edwin Delevan Tillson— better known as E.D.— soon followed in his father’s footsteps and went on to launch many successful businesses including a brickyard, pea mill, barley mill, and extensive model farm. Most notably was E.D.’s flourishing pan-dried oatmeal business that put Tillsonburg on the map. Flash forward to the 60s and
Annandale National Historic Site, built by E.D. Tillson, is located at 30 Tillson Avenue.
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