Ailsa Craig’s Incredible History by Ron Walker, former Curator of the North Middlesex Historical Society
Most small towns in southwestern Ontario, or Canada for that matter, had similar beginnings, a hamlet or village, hewn out of the bush, and growth spurred by the arrival of the railroad. Ailsa Craig began in the same way. David Craig established his home in Ailsa Craig in 1838, as this area had started to open up and be settled. The location of the Village was nestled in a valley created by a hill to the west and circled by the Aux Sable River, now known as the AuSable, which was a perfect spot to establish a village. This area was a wealth of lush pastureland and great stands of Oak and Elm. David Craig was the first man to arrive and stake claim to lot 20 Concession 5 of McGillivray Township, which was at that time part of Huron County, on the north side of Main Street. Mr. Craig lived here for a few years, with his wife, and children. In 1858, Mr. Craig planned Craig’s Station; but with another office of that name existing, the name had to be changed. He along with T. Atkinson Senior, gave the present name, deriving it from the rock at the mouth of the Clyde. Mr. William Shipley owned Lot 20 Con 20 of East Williams Township, which is on the south side of Main Street. In 1858, Mr. Craig and Mr. Shipley began selling lots for what is now known as Ailsa Craig. The Village grew very quickly following the arrival of the Grand Trunk Railroad in 1860, and in 1874 was officially incorporated. Many businesses became active, including a flour mill, grist mill, flax mill, and two brick and tile yards to name a few. Because the area had such rich farmland and available grassland, the agricultural industry became very important. At one point we had the largest cattle shipping yards east of Calgary, as well as one of the largest log shipping yards in the Empire, with logs of Oak and Rock Elm going to England for shipbuilding. In 1875, Christopher Cusick’s Western Hotel, A. D. Campbell’s Railroad Exchange, Hector C. Munro’s Farmers’ Hotel, Angus Munro’s Ailsa Craig Hotel, and Mary Coulter’s Royal Hotel, were the hotels of the village. Liquor licenses were also issued in 1875 to Duncan Gray and Wm. H. Neville. Ailsa Craig has been important for some significant innovations. The plans for the original McLaughlin Buick were drawn up in a house on George Street, and at this location, the honey
centrifuge was invented, and the basis of this implementation is still being used today. Stock car racing in southwestern Ontario got its start in Ailsa Craig around the same time as Nilestown. Stewart’s Seeds was located in Ailsa Craig, and if it hadn’t been for the development of various new strains of oats and barley through this business, it is said we would not have been able to grow either one of these crops. At one time, Stewart Seeds had labs and fields in Mexico, allowing for longer growing seasons and rapid progression of the new varieties. This year Ailsa Craig celebrates 150 years since incorporation, although the Municipality has not existed since 2000. Please join us as we celebrate the anniversary on July 25, 26 and 27. Black & White photos compliments of The North Middlesex Historical Society. Bottom: both of Main Street looking west. Above: Main Street 1894, and Craig Station.
Ailsa Craig 150th & Gala Da
To advertise here, please contact Tami@villagerpublications.com Ailsa Craig 150th Anniversary Sponsors: Friend Sponsors; A Touch of Country B&B, Action Financial Group, CDS Pharmacy Ailsa Craig, Earl S. Ross Inc., Hensall Co-op, James A Walsh Sales, Larry Miles Electric, North Middlesex Historical Society, The Crown & Turtle Pub and VON Middlesex-Elgin.
Page 10 Ilderton and Area Villager • June 2024
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