William Ennis
Words by William Ennis
The Frontenac Axis in Eastern Ontario can always be relied upon to produce striking scenery, especially where the Canadian Shield and the Limestone plains of Ontario come together. This portion of the Canadian Shield is one that is unusually diverse and it turns out to be a highly studied section of the Shield.
Those who live in Lanark County enjoy the mixture of small farms and larger ones, as well as miles of lakes, rivers, and forests. The smaller farms with their treed fencerows provide places for a wide variety of birds and animals.
Perth is a small town whose history dates back to 1816. With the end of the war of 1812, several British soldiers left the army and settled throughout the area. One group, the Military Colony of Perth, founded the settlement of Perth. It wasn't long before they were joined by many settlers from Britain. The plan was to colonize the area and fill it with people who would fight back if the country to the south made another attempt to take it over.
Many Scottish citizens took advantage of a great deal being offered by the British government. Every male of legal age was to be given 100 acres to clear and farm. They got a free ride to the area, were given tools to get them started, and free rations for a year. Authorities knew from previous experience that settlers could not get established enough to survive the first cold winter without help.
They were given a grindstone, a crosscut, and a whipsaw. They also received an adze (a broad axe for flattening logs), handsaw, drawing knife, one shell augur (long boring tool), two gimlets (small tool to make holes), door-lock and hinges, scythe and snath (handle), reaping-hook, two hoes, hayfork, skillet camp kettle, and a blanket for each family member.
Many of these Scottish immigrants were skilled tradesmen. They were joined in the settlement of the land by the many Scottish stonemasons who were building the locks of the Rideau Canal, which opened in 1832. If you take a tour of Perth and other villages in Lanark County, you will see the works of these men in over 140 Heritage Properties where there are many impressive buildings. A notable tour is the "Seven Wonders of Lanark County".
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William Ennis
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William Ennis
When you come into Perth you’ll find Hwy7 crosses the north of the town. This is a wide, busy street, and you can find the usual shops found on a main street. To see 'Old Perth' go south and maybe find a place to park. Then walk a couple of the tours, taking time to investigate the finer points of the old buildings.
In 1885 it was decided to join Perth to the Rideau Canal with a canal and two locks. Upper and Lower Beveridge Locks made it possible to cross the 7.5 m (25 f) difference in elevation. Two attempts were made. The first attempt was almost 10 km (6 mi) long, with 6 dams and 5 locks, and only about 1 m (3 ft) deep. The pursuit was a dismal failure from a business standpoint, and eventually, the canal closed.
A second canal, with a depth of 1.5 m (5.5 ft), a width of 18 m (59 ft), and two locks lifting 4 m (13 ft) was finished in 1891. The canal included a basin for turning in Perth. Now, pleasure boats going to and from the Rideau Canal enjoy the Tay Canal which is operated by Canada Parks.
Visitors will enjoy the park areas at the Turning Basin and Last Duel Park. Tall boats have to dock there because of a low bridge. Boat visitors walk into town along a pleasant walking path by the water. Last Duel Park is the site of the last deadly duel fought in Canada. One youth went up against another fiery youth, who thought a girl had been slighted, on the field. They shot and missed each other, wanted to quit, but the advisors on the duel insisted they must go on. The second time one of them died. Today, camping is available at Last Duel Campground.
On Gore Street E, the Matheson House, built in 1840, is now home to the Perth Museum. This grandiose stone building was originally home to one of the town's famous citizens and is now a National Historic Site. The dining room, drawing room, parlour, and kitchen are fully restored to the period of the Mathesons.
William Ennis
There is a special treat for those interested in geology. In the Tay Basin, there is an outdoor geology museum display next to the Crystal Palace that shows the rock and minerals of the area. The Tay Canal was built because of the expectation of good business would come from the phosphate being mined, and the hopes for the development of some iron deposits. This part of the Canadian Shield has been the source of many minerals and small mines litter the County.
The Crystal Palace is a glass-sided building, often used for wedding events, and also has the Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings. This market is a hit with locals and visitors with fresh fruits and vegetables in season.
Next door is a display to the Mammoth Cheese that was produced in Perth and exhibited in Chicago where there was a World's Fair in 1893. The cheese weighed 9,979 kg ( 22,000 lbs), was 1.8 m (6 ft) high, and 9 m (28 ft) around. The huge and heavy cheese did cause a stir when it was onto the exhibition floor and then plummeted through it. Twelve cheese factories contributed to the making of this cheese. Don't expect the cheese to be in the display, although there is a small piece in the museum.
For a spirited change of pace visit the Top Shelf distillery in town. For a small charge take the short tour, where you learn how quality vodka and gins are made, and get a cocktail. There will be spirit tasting at the end of the tour.
William Ennis
In April, Perth has the Festival of the Maples which is quite a big bash celebrating spring, and in particular maple syrup production. It features a pancake breakfast followed by a host of entertainment. Lanark County contains several large producers of maple syrup products such as Wheelers Maple Products. Even though the syrup season is over, you can visit their place to browse through their museum, and maybe order a meal of pancakes and real maple syrup. If you arrive during the boiling season you can see how maple syrup is made, from tree to bottle.
To end your day, I suggest a side trip north on Hwy-511 to Balderson Corners and the Balderson Village Cheese Store. This is a niche store with cheese and other specialties, but go for their ice cream cones. Large, and tasty, at a good price, you won't find ice cream cones like this anywhere else.
A trip into the great scenery of Lanark County is certainly highlighted by a stop at Perth and Balderson Corners. Perhaps you can work it in soon.
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William Ennis
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William Ennis