A Brief History of Thorah Township and Beaverton Settlers, predominantly Scots, began arriving in Thorah Township in the 1820's. Around Calder's mill grew the village of Milton (later called Beaverton) which, in time, had grist, flour, saw and woollen mills, a tannery, a foundry, tradesmen and stores. Churches and schools also appeared.
Population growth in this area slowed down in the late 1800's with movement to larger centres and to Western Canada. By 1900 Lake Simcoe's transportation advantages had waned, but it's recreation benefits increased. The coming of a second railway, the Canadian National, boosted tourism.
Click and learn about our Old Stone Jail, originally built in the late 1840's. The Beaverton Thorah Eldon Historical Society has the following programs available - VHS(marked*) DVD's (marked+). “Romancing the Stones - Tales of Beaverton’s Old Stone Jail” * and +, gives a background of events around the Old Stone Jail – it includes the actual moving of the jail from one end of town to it’s present location “What’s Going On in 1998” * and + – see many areas in and around Beaverton – the Lion’s Club takes us up to show the newly restored Bell, in the ex Townhall tower, visit the Strand Theatre to learn about and see one of Canada’s oldest film projectors – the Town Hall Players let us in on a rehearsal and more. ”What went on in 1999 to 2000” * and +, continues to explore various events around Beaverton, visiting the Fall Fair, we see the new sculpture ‘Flight’ being designed, built and installed and many, many more events. “Our Home Town 1938 revisited. * and +, was shot as a silent 16mm film in 1938. It has recently been restored, with music effects and new voice overs added. BTE Historical Society - 25th Anniversary -part 1 & 2 (2 tapes) * and + - The history of the Society from the start to the present. Reflections of the Past – are glimpses of some of our senior members into various parts of their lives. “Reflections of the Past - Aimie Furness Davidson” * only “Reflections of the Past - Dick Goard” * and + “Reflections of the Past - Emma Dawson” * only “Reflections of the Past - Joan Stemp” * and + “Reflections of the Past - Mae MacAlpine” * and + “Reflections of the Past - Mildred Goard” * only “Reflections of the Past - Mildred Greenwood” * only “Reflections - The McAlpines” * and + “Reflections - Louis Brown on Budge Crawley” * only “Unveiling Library Plaque” * only “Opening Day” (official opening of Stone Jail) * only “Beaverton Public School - 75th Re-union” * only “Morrison’s 90th Birthday” * only “World Shorthorn Conference visit the Brown’s Farm” * only Audio CD’s 32 discs from Audio Cassettes - Rae Fleming interviews Locals in the 1970’s (full list in Meeting Place or Jail) also Speakers “Bruce Rogers” “Munroe Scott”-“Mike Filey" To purchase a VHS - DVD or CD, telephone Helen Alsop 705-426-9460. | |||
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In 1870 Beaverton became the terminus, for a time, of Port Hope, Lindsay, Beaverton Railway, and in 1884 an incorporated village.
The 20th Century has seen many changes. Lakeview Manor opened in 1967. Today Seeburn Division of Ventra Group Inc. is the largest employer. Beaverton, and it's 5500 residents, provide services for the surrounding countryside, the tourist industry, and a growing retirement and commuter community.
