(Oakridge is a residential area bounded by the Credit River on the north and east, North Sheridan landfill site on the west, and the QEW on the south.) The modern landscape often hides clues, albeit in plain sight, from its history. Residential development is very much part of our story here in Mississauga, and some…
It was Monday, October 31, 1910. And for over three hours a fierce engagement took place between two armies – one advancing eastward from Hamilton, the other, in defence of Toronto, advancing westward along Dundas Street, determined to hold the bridge over the Credit River. The armies met at Mississauga Road. The engagement involved over…
166 years ago, a steam locomotive, painted in dark green with polished brass fittings, and pulling several passenger cars full of VIPs – railway officials, financiers, and other assorted dignitaries – travelled merrily along the newly laid Great Western Railway near Clarkson. The date was December 3, 1855, and the opening of the sparkling new…
Some time ago, local historian, author and storyteller Alan Skeoch penned an article remembering the late Lorne Joyce and recalling the heady days of rum-running in Port Credit. Lorne, himself an avid storyteller, author and marine historian, often regaled members of local historical societies with tales from life on the Great Lakes. I fondly recall…
We recently received an inquiry about the dam ruins in Erindale Park. For many visitors today it can be hard to fathom that the area that is now Erindale Park was, for over 30 years, mostly submerged under water. Beginning in 1898, plans to harness the natural water resources of the Credit River for hydroelectricity…
Let’s all mark tomorrow, September 30, by wearing orange in honour of Orange Shirt Day. Coinciding with the day and aligning with the Federal government’s adoption of September 30 as a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the City of Mississauga also chose to honour the day by closing City facilities for a day of…
Almost 208 years ago, and within site from the shoreline of historic Mississauga, a naval engagement took place on Lake Ontario which could have shaped the fortunes of the War of 1812 and the story of Canada. The engagement became known as the “Burlington Races”, and the name, sounding somewhat like a pleasurable yachting excursion,…
Continuing our theme on the era of the steamships, another well-known passenger steamer that brought summer visitors from Toronto to Port Credit, Lorne Park, Oakville, and all recreational and amusement points from Niagara and back was the Southern Belle. But like many, the Belle had begun life in another vocation and under another name. The…
As recounted in an earlier article in this series, there was a time, many years ago, that steamships traversed the Great Lakes, carrying passengers to and from larger cities to various stopping places, ports, and pleasure grounds. Each of the Great Lakes, and many of the smaller lakes in “cottage country”, was served by steamships….
This time of year often brings to mind thoughts of excursions to cottage country, which is far from a new phenomenon. For generations, people who have had the means have looked to “escape” the urban city for relaxation and vacation. Tourist camps and cottages in Haliburton, Muskoka and countless other areas ebbed and flowed with…