Book Tells Scotch Block Stories -
Milton Canadian Champion
By Stephanie Hounsell, Canadian Champion Staff
Arts & Entertainment Oct 02, 2009
They left behind everything familiar to venture into the great unknown.
Now the stories of the plucky Scottish farmers — and their families — who formed what came to be known as the Scotch Block are captured in a new book published by the Milton Historical Society.
Scotch Block: The People and their Stories will be launched tomorrow from 10 a. m. to 2 p. m. at historic Boston Presbyterian Church, 9185 Third Line (north of No. 5 Sideroad), in the heart of the Scotch Block.
Written and compiled by longtime local historian Jim Dills and dedicated historical society volunteer Gloria (Stark) Brown, the book tells the stories of the life and times of the determined group of Scots who settled in the southwest corner of Esquesing Township — now melded into modern-day north Milton and south Halton Hills — in the County of Halton around 1820, forming one of several Scottish enclaves in Upper Canada.
“They were a bunch of tough, hardy people who settled the land,” Brown said.
The stories have been compiled from published, archived, anecdotal and personal written information and woven together in more than 200 pages.
Readers will get a clear picture of the early tragedies, rebellions, agricultural development, land clearing, church growth, education and social activities of the day in the Scotch Block.
“The whole purpose of the book is the people and their stories,” Dills said. “It’s not a history book, it’s not a dry recycling of facts.”
Included is an early genealogy and more than 400 photos, including some of the beautiful heritage homes that remain.
Some of the photos are from family albums that wouldn’t otherwise have seen the light of day, Dills said.
At tomorrow’s launch, attendees will have a chance to purchase the book for $40 and to hear from the people involved in its creation.
The Scotch Block is bounded by Steeles Avenue, Tremaine Road, No. 17 Sideroad (near Speyside), and between Fifth and Sixth lines. It’s particularly fitting that the launch is taking place at Boston Presbyterian Church, since that’s the church the Scottish settlers established for themselves.
“You couldn’t write about Scotch Block without Boston church being a central part of it,” said Brown, a life-long member of Boston Presbyterian.
Brown grew up in the Scotch Block, following in the footsteps of many of her ancestors. It only made sense to combine her wealth of knowledge and personal connection to the area with Dills’ research skills and historical expertise.
Throughout her work on the book, Brown said she was struck by the resilience of the women settlers; it only takes a walk through the Boston church cemetery to see some of them lost more than one child.
“To be miles from overseas and miles from neighbours... I’m not sure how they endured it,” Brown said.
Publishing of the book was made possible by sponsors Andrews’ Scenic Acres — it was Bert Andrews who first approached Dills with the idea of the book — as well as Chudleigh’s, Given Road West Communications, Home Hardware, the family of the late James Snow and the Milton Historical Society.
After the launch, the book will be available at the Waldie Blacksmith Shop, Milton Home Hardware, Recycled Reading, Harris Office Pro and Spice O’ Life.
Stephanie Hounsell can be reached at sthiessen@miltoncanadianchampion.com
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