So you did the quiz and now you’re hungry for more answers and information? Let us fill in the blanks!
The Glengarry Soccer League was established in 1924 and to this day, continues to run outdoor programs for the “beautiful game”.
Illustration: Glengarry Sports Hall of Fame
Akwesasne craftsmen started commercial manufacturing of lacrosse sticks in 1928. At one point in time, the community produced 97 percent of the world’s lacrosse sticks.
When you can, visit the Akwesasne Lacrosse Hall of Fame at A`nowara`ko:wa Arena—also known as the Turtle Dome—on Cornwall Island to learn more about the region’s rich lacrosse history.
Photo: Traditional Lacrosse Stick, Akwesasne Cultural Center and Museum
In 1881, Michael P. Cook was the first to import Holstein Friesian cattle into the province, more specifically to Aultsville.
According to the historical plaque on Morrison Road in Ingleside (on the way to the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary), he brought in two bulls and ten cows. Within five years, Holstein Friesian cattle was officially recognized as the leading milk-producing breed.
Illustration: The Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame Association
The Fred Mercur, a wooden steam cargo ship sank offshore in Glen Walter after a fire in 1925. A local saved the crew with his rowboat.
Many divers still visit the wreck. You can learn more about the Fred Mercur and other local dive sites here.
Photo: Historical Collections of the Great Lakes at Bowling Green State University
Cornwall’s Pitt Street is named after William Pitt. In 1783 at age 24, he became the youngest prime minister of Great Britain. He was also the first prime minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.
Charlotte Small and David Thompson, the famous astronomer and mapmaker for the North West Company, lived in Williamstown for 20 years starting in 1815.
Their home—Bethune-Thompson House— is now owned by the Ontario Heritage Trust and is designated a National Historic Site of Canada.
Statue: Charlotte Small and David Thompson, Invermere, British Columbia
Mohawk ironworkers—many from Akwesasne—are credited for building the Empire State Building, the George Washington Bridge, the CN Tower, the Golden Gate Bridge, the World Trade Center, and so much more.
Today, these highly skilled tradespeople continue to work on high steel, extending their reputation for skill, extreme bravery, and pride. To get a real sense of the work they do, check out APTN’s 13-episode documentary called “Mohawk Ironworkers”.
Photo: Smithsonian Online Virtual Archives
Cornwall’s first alderwoman was Mary Mack who was elected in 1946. She thrived in the post for 10 years.
For a deeper look at her incredible life, pick up a copy of Unforgotten Mary Mack, penned by local author Ginette Guy. The book is available at the Cornwall Community Museum.
Photo: Cornwall Community Museum
Apple Hill was given its name in 1882 because the Canadian Pacific Railway was built through Sandy Kennedy’s apple orchard. Prior to its offical naming, it was called Caravan’s Corner.
Photo: canada-rail.com
The Cornwall Cheese and Butter Board was formed in 1898 to regulate our region’s primary industry. By 1920, the board sold hundreds of thousands of pounds and more than $1.5 million worth of cheese annually.
Due to rising costs and shrinking markets, many of the 100+ cheese factories closed or were bought by Kraft.
Read The Official History of the Cornwall Cheese and Butter Board here.
Levi Oakes of Akwesasne was a World War II Mohawk Code Talker. He was one of the many Indigenous servicemen who used their language to send encode messages between allied forces. He was honourably discharged after six years in the military and went on to work as an ironworker in Buffalo. He returned to Akwesasne and worked for the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Public Works department until his retirement.
When he passed away at age 94 in 2019, he was the last surviving Mohawk Code Talker.
Stormont County merged with Dundas and Glengarry Counties to form the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry in 1850. At the time, the townships within the county were: Finch, Osnabruck, Roxborough, and Cornwall.
In the early 1800s, sulphur springs were discovered in Winchester Springs. Later in the century—around 1870—a hotel and healthcare facility was built. It operated for about 35 years. Sadly, the grand building was demolished more than 50 years ago.
Photo: Mural painted in 2002 by artist Linda Holmes.
Carnegie Library was built in 1903 with funds from the Carnegie Foundation. It was a one-story brick building at the southwest corner of Sydney and 2nd St. E. With lofty expansion plans in mind, the City of Cornwall purchased Cline House in 1956 for use as the public library.
Fun fact: Carnegie Library was located across the street from the McMartin House which became the Nazareth Orphanage. Today, it is the site of the Cornwall Public Library.
Photo: Library and Archives Canada
The largest yellow perch caught to date in Ontario weighed in at a hefty 2.52 pounds. Summerstown’s Dominic Touchette caught the perch on January 30, 2020 while fishin on Lake St. Francis. The catch was later officially declared the new provincial record by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.
Photo: Ontario Out of Doors magazine
BONUS TRIVIA
Charlotte Small was a Métis explorer, interpreter, and wife of David Thompson. She accompanied David as he mapped much of Western Canada, covering approximately 20,000 kilometres. He noted that his “lovely wife,” with her knowledge of Cree, “gives me a great advantage.” The loving union lasted 58 years.
Illustration from the cover of Woman of the Paddle Song written by Elizabeth Clutton-Brock.
We hope you enjoyed this little survey of local history!