Historic Hawkestone (Hodges Landing)

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First Nation Indians had long established encampments and trails on the bank of this creek, the Ridge Road, and throughout the Township. In the 1830's Richard Hodges established a landing for settlers, mainly from the British Isles, who after arriving by lake steamer followed these trails to their settlement in search of independence and land ownership. Hodges' wharf, where the steamers docked, and his large house called St. Helen's (1844) were the focus of activity. There remains evidence of two underground tunnels from the lake to Hodges' cellar and a hidden stair case from the cellar to the top floor. Some children who died on route to their parents' settlement were buried on the property. In 1940, the property was sold by Hodges' granddaughter for $2500 to the Canadian Council for Girl Guides. A thriving community of a tavern (T), hotel (H), a store (S), and the first post office (P) was located near the lake east of the creek. The first postmaster was Charles Bell. Two dams (D) and 3 mills sawed logs (SM) and ground grain. It is thought that the first mill was established by John Williamson (WM) who subsequently built the large brick house, on the N-E corner of Ridge Road and Line #11. In 1856 a new wharf was constructed and the name was changed from Hodges' Landing to Hawkstone. During 1871 the railroad reached Hawkestone. An extensive "station" evolved with a frieght shed (FR), stockyards (ST), and a massive water tower(WT) to supply the requirements of steam engines. Many types of products were shipped out, and supplies shipped in. The last CN train passed through in September 1996. In 1998 the railway land through the


372 Line 11 South
Oro-Medonte,  ON
L0L 1T0


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Keywords

Primary category: Historic and Heritage Sites (71212)