A man of many interests, James Crooks became a wealthy and powerful figure during his lifetime and although his fame is largely attributed to his development of Upper Canada’s first industrial empire and the manufacture of paper, Read more
Ever the astute businessman, James Crooks must have been aware that success might provide him with the opportunity to obtain a provincial paper monopoly. He immediately began construction of a mill downstream from the Darnley Mill, employing Read more
James Crooks, a prominent Niagara-on-the-Lake merchant, first visited West Flamborough in 1805 looking for property and suitable mill sites. Concerned about deteriorating relations with the United States and the proximity of his businesses to the American border, Read more
Today, only the ghostly ruins of the famous Darnley Mill remain as evidence of the historic past of the small section of the Spencer Creek Valley known as Crooks’ Hollow. Dominated by the endeavours of James Crooks, this part Read more
Traveling northwards from Strabane, the most famous landmark of the township is soon visible, the spire of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church in Freelton. The village is the final West Flamborough community on the Read more
The 7th Concession and Brock Road intersection marks the southern limit of the village of Strabane, although for several years the corner was known as Motorville. Located on both sides of the Brock Road between the 7th Read more
During the 19th century, when the Brock Road served as the only reliable township road northwards, several small settlements developed where it crossed the concession roads, each becoming stopping places for the stagecoach and its travellers. Read more
From its earliest days and beginnings at Bullock’s Corners, until it exits the township at Freelton, the Brock Road has continuously served as a major routeway through West Flamborough. It was originally known Read more
During the early years of the 20th century, a group of buildings that included The Bell House and Tower, together with several other businesses, were to be found in the central section on the north side of Dundas Street. Read more
George Weeks purchased the Eager General Store in December 1924, and so began the long tradition associated with “Weeks of Waterdown” that saw it grow from a small general store to a Read more
