Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Robert Canada lived in Nobleton in 1848


My friend Gordon Craig, from the west side of King Township, has been doing some genealogical research on King settlers from the mid-to-late 19th century, some of which centred on my wife's Cairns family ancestors, and made me aware of the assessment rolls data that is available from the King Township municipal offices.   Following his direction, I contacted Suzanne at the township offices and made an appointment to visit for half a day and examine some of the records in which I thought I might be interested.   At the appointed time, I arrived to find all of the assessment books between the 1850s and 1880s laid out for me, in a meeting room, and a pair of white gloves with which to handle these ancient documents.   I spent the morning familiarizing myself with the books and then searching for particular records of my wife's family.   I was quite pleased with the information I discovered and came across several new pieces of information.   I need to make several more visits to take advantage of all there is to offer in these documents.   Occasionally, I stumbled across completely unrelated, but interesting, items, relative to my research.   Such was the case with the headline of this blog entry.   In the 1848 Assessment Rolls, living in the north end of Nobleton, on the 9th Concession (now Hwy. 27) was a gentleman named Robert Canada.   The Township of King, and Suzanne, are to be commended for making this invaluable information so accessible, and at no cost, to its citizens.   All it takes is a phone call to Suzanne, at the township offices, to get the ball rolling.
Please comment if you wish.
Barry Wallace

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Denise traded King City for James Bay


Photo by Denise Georgekish
This photograph of Arctic Fritillaries looks like it could have been taken in my backyard garden in King City, but it was taken in Wemindji, a Cree indian village on the Quebec side of James Bay, almost 1,500 kms., due north of King City.   You can drive all the way there now.   My youngest sister, Denise, lives in Wemindji and she took the photograph, above, in her garden.   How on earth she had the patience to wait for these butterflies to congregate so closely is beyond me.   Denise grew up in King City but has been in northern Quebec for a few decades now, where she lives with her children and grandchildren.   Somehow, this photo makes her feel a little closer.
Please comment if you wish.
Barry Wallace   

Sunday, July 22, 2012

July jumble of nasturtiums


Photo by Barry Wallace
It's been dry but warm and balmy so far this summer and I went no farther than my own backyard to get this picture of sun-dappled nasturtiums.   Officially known as Tropaelum majus, nasturtiums are also commonly called lark's heel, nose-twister and nose-tweaker.
Please comment if you wish.
Barry Wallace

Saturday, July 21, 2012

New work by George Holancin


Photo by Barry Wallace
I recently drove past George Holancin's place on the  west side of  the 6th Concession of King, just north of Carrying Place Golf Course, and spotted a new addition to his collection of outdoor metal sculpture.   It's a pair of Whooping Cranes.   I imagine this latest creation will be scooped up quickly by one of the many collectors of George's work.   Several other examples of George's artistry are in full view on the lawns surrounding his home.
Please comment if you wish.
BtheB

Friday, July 20, 2012

Still planting in Holland Marsh


Photo by Barry Wallace
We're already into the second half of July but the planting of vegetable seedlings is still underway in the Holland Marsh, in northern King Township.   While these workers were planting, nearby fields were being harvested of their produce.   A drive through the marsh at this time of year is an interesting and colourful experience.
Please comment if you wish.
Barry Wallace 

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Heads up!


Photo by Barry Wallace
People erect many things at the end of their driveways to help themselves recognize when it is time to make their turn, especially at night.   This life-size metal head gets extra points, I think, for uniqueness.  It is located on the Canal Road, in the Holland Marsh.
Please comment if you wish.
Barry Wallace

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

King Museum additions take shape


Photos by Barry Wallace
New front and rear additions to the east side of the King Township Museum suddenly took form this week, in the hamlet of Kinghorn.   The project will be used as a new housing development presentation centre, at the expense of the developer, while the  new home subdivision is built immediately east of the museum.   Once is days as a new home presentation centre are complete, sometime next year, the new facilities will be turned over to the township and museum for expanded display and activity space.
Please comment if you wish.
Barry Wallace   

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

New pergola at Cherry Park in Nobleton


Photo by Barry Wallace
The new Cherry Park pergola and gardens are in place at the four corners in the centre of Nobleton.   Benches and walkway are still to be put in place, but local civic pride has already been ratcheted up a notch or two, with the addition of this project, involving the Nobleton Village Association, King Parks & Recreation Department, Allstone Quarry Products, Brookdale Tree Nursery, Paul Bochna Landscaping, association board directors, volunteers, and Patty Fleetwood.   This is a delightful addition to the village centre's streetscape.
Please comment if you wish.
Barry Wallace 

Monday, July 16, 2012

King church painting by Jack Bush


If you check out King City, Ontario, images on Wikipedia, one of the images you will come across is this watercolour and graphite creation titled 'Church, Near King City' by acclaimed Canadian artist, Jack Bush.   It is 8 1/4 x 11" and was painted in 1940.   In his early artistic career, Bush was influenced by the Group of Seven, among others.   But Bush happened upon American abstract impressionists in New York City and during the 1950s fell in with the abstractionists, changing his style forever.   The work above has a simple appealing charm about it but what really intrigues me is the identity of the church.   Does anyone know or have a guess?   This image appears on the website of Thielsen Gallery, in London, Ontario
Please comment if you wish.
Barry Wallace  

Sunday, July 15, 2012

15th Sideroad resurfaced


Photo by Barry Wallace
The long-awaited re-surfacing of the 15th Sideroad, between Bathurst and Keele Streets, near King City, began this past week.   It should make for greatly improved comfort and safety for motorists, but one can't help but wonder if there will be increased vehicle traffic and higher speeds.   The 15th is an increasingly popular bypass of the King Sideroad (east of the village) and a more direct route for many students attending Villanova College at Marylake Monastery. 
Please comment if you wish.
Barry Wallace

Saturday, July 14, 2012

King Township Osprey


Photo by Barry Wallace
Two long-time King Township Osprey nests were unsuccessful this year (one at Seneca College and one near Ansnorveldt) but a third nest at the end of Bathurst Street, at King's northern tip, was successful with at least two Osprey offspring ready to fly.   One of the parents, pictured above, keeps a keen lookout on your photographer.
Please comment if you wish.
Barry Wallace

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Laskay Raspberry Social was perfect



The July evening was one of the best of the summer so far and the Laskay Raspberry Social was once again a well-attended success, on Tuesday evening.   It seemed as if everyone knew everyone else but I know for a fact there were newcomers in the crowd who quite enjoyed themselves.   Pictured at right is Laskay resident Pam Herron who is a long-time volunteer at the Laskay Hall.   On this occasion, she was a charming hostess and ticket-taker, who eventually found time to enjoy her own plate of raspberries, pie and ice cream.

Photos by Barry Wallace

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

King City Skateboard Park underway


Photo by Barry Wallace
Eight years after being deemed a priority, in 2004, and seeing costs rise six-fold from $105,000 to $679,000, the King City Skateboard Park and outdoor hockey pad construction got under way this week on the land at the west side of the King City Arena, on Doctors Lane.

King City paving welcomed


The long-awaited final layer of asphalt was laid down on the King Road through the village of King City on Monday of this week.    Fisher Street (pictured below), leading to the Seniors Centre, was also repaved.


Photos by Barry Wallace

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Nobleton & King City Horticultural Society


2012 Garden Tour

Rock Garden and pool of  Linda and Daryl Similas
Hillside garden sculpture of Susan Beharriell
Photos by Barry Wallace

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Subdivision under way at Kinghorn


Genview Development Corp. has begun site preparation of its new housing development in King City, just east of the King Township Museum, on the north side of King Road.   Part of the museum is also be enlarged to accommodate a sales presentation centre for Genview's new homes.   Eventually, the expanded premises will be handed back to the museum for use as new programming and exhibit space.   Meanwhile regular activities continue in the unaffected portions of the museum and in a temporary trailer.
Photos by Barry Wallace
Please comment if you wish.
Barry Wallace

Friday, July 6, 2012

Percherons at Kettleby


Photo by Barry Wallace
Three Percheron mamas and their colts brace themselves for 36C temperatures and a Humidex of 41, at the Barron family's Windy Hill Farms, on Keele Street near Kettleby, on Friday morning.   Two of the youngsters were already stretched out snoozing by 10.30 a.m.  
Please comment if you wish.
Barry Wallace 

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Laskay Raspberry Social next Tuesday


Photos by Barry Wallace
The Laskay Raspberry Social takes place Tuesday, July 10, from 6.30 to 8 p.m. at the Laskay Hall, on the west side of Weston Road, south of the King Sideroad.   It's a highly recomended event and always well-attended.   Tickets are available at the door or call ahead to reserve (phone number in photo above).   See photos below from last year's social.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

King City Trails


North side of Presbyterian Church
White Admiral
Private property bordering trail
Female Red-winged Blackbird
East Humber River Water Spider
White wildflowers 
New steps and handrails have improved access west of the Presbyterian Church
Photos by Barry Wallace
Please comment if you wish.


Monday, July 2, 2012

Winter wheat is ready to harvest


Photo by Barry Wallace
A person can be forgiven for thinking that King Township is mainly horse pasture, given its country-wide reputation for all things equestrian.   But there is still a lot of acreage devoted to corn, hay, and grain crops.   This field of winter wheat, on Keele Street just south of Highway 9, slopes downward and northward from the King Ridge, towards the Holland Marsh.
Please comment if you wish.
Barry Wallace