Horseshoe Valley Kaleidoscope
—by Valerie Thornton
We had a wonderful “taste” of spring at the beginning of March with some welcoming milder temperatures, which resulted in a substantial reduction of our snow/ice piles which had accumulated over the winter. Not only were we all able to breathe a sigh of relief that the snow was off our roofs, etc., we were able to navigate exiting our driveways and roads more safely because the enormous piles of snow/ice that had accumulated had substantially lessened.
Now, as I look outside, the messy landscapes that had come with such a change in the weather (all black from sand and earth) are now a wonderful winter white wonderland again as we had a fresh snowfall. Fortunately, I experienced this on our first week in Canada in 1973; snow in April in Montreal prepared me for Canadian winters. Of course, I was much younger and was so excited to see some real snow. It was all a big adventure. This “tease” by nature happens every year but we always know that when it happens that spring is just around the corner.
Please remember to take care when driving along our roads; generally, we have no sidewalks and people including children have to walk on the roads which may be slippery; be careful and drive slowly.
As most of you are aware, changes are coming to Craighurst with the development planned at the crossroads of Horseshoe Valley Road and 93; a plaza including Sobeys and Tim Hortons. This was planned two to three years ago, but nothing had happened. Suddenly just recently in early March the clearing started and trees around the old school building on the site were cut down (several enormous pieces of equipment had been on the property for a week or so prior to this, so we knew something was happening).
I just went out to check again this afternoon (March 16) and wow, what a change since I last passed by. A much larger area than I thought which has been extensively cleared of trees and vegetation. I didn’t realize what a large piece of property this was. Concern has been expressed at what will happen to the old Craighurst school (which stands alone amongst the ‘devastation”; probably not the best word to use but that is what I felt as the area was a mess with large pieces of machinery and piles of branches and woodchips and the school standing alone in the middle of it all.)
This former school was a landmark for me when we moved here in 2004: the Woodside Pottery and Gallery owned by Hartley Woodside who created some marvelous pottery items in the building (built in 1878) but also had a beautiful gallery of consisting of work from over 60 local and national artists; even some handcrafted articles from Africa where he occasionally visited in the winter. He had his workshop in the back and the gallery at the front. I believe at the time Hartley sold it (he had rented for 20 years before purchasing it in 1999), he had hoped that its future use would still be a social one. There was even talk about possibly putting a brew pub there. I was SO sad in 2018 when Hartley retired after working 38 years as a potter, and it closed.
The school was built there around 1886, and it was closed in 1963 when the pupils went to the W. R. Best school. Craighurst has had an interesting history (starting off as Morrison’s Corners) and was a busy town with several hotels and even a post office in the early/mid 1800’s. It is very important that we keep the history of our Township, even though many buildings may disappear. There are also many old buildings which are still standing and being used. Here I am thinking of several churches and community halls that dot our Township and are generally built of stone or brick and well maintained. There is an interesting book that I have, The Story of Oro, which is well worth having in your library.
After my shock of this afternoon seeing all the trees and just the school building standing alone, I now realize that there are also several positives associated with this work being at last started as it being left for so long and the school building deteriorating was not good; the site was actually getting to be an eyesore and detrimental to the community. I may be wrong, but I don’t see the school building being incorporated into the new development or know if it is possible to safely move; and where would it be moved to? I am going to see if I can find out more.
I do think that Craighurst (and all of our Township) requires recognition of its development and history. Settled in the early 1800’s, it is relatively young and much is known of the past 200 plus years of its history. There are many great pictures in the Oro book which tell a story. It is gratifying that some of the original families are still living here and active in our communities (families such as the Craigs, Durys and Walkers).
The African Methodist Church on Old Barrie Road and Line 3 North Church was built in 1847 and active until around 1900. It did go through major repair/reconstruction and is now an important part of the history of our Township’s first Black citizens, and especially African Richard Pierpoint and the connection he had to the Underground Railroad’s last stop, this church (it stands in its original location).
In itself, the building has the history associated with it and makes an interesting visit when it is open to the public. I think that we should do this with other buildings but perhaps in a main central building so it is like a small museum. Any building that is still in use could have a plaque. I remember the Black Creek Pioneer Village and Upper Canada village which we visited years ago and they told great stories, so that people could learn about how life was in the early days. I remember also as a Brownie leader years ago spending a weekend with our girls in Fort York in Toronto. Surely also we could find one building in Craighurst which could be a museum and history of this town and area.
The new school and Community Centre on 4th Line seem to be running well. Check out the classes offered as there is a variety of activities for everyone, plus popular pickleball is available for those wishing to play.
Some dates to note
April 1: HQ restaurant is planning to open their restaurant at the old Club house on Highland Drive. But check first as there may be a slight delay. The current restaurant will still be open in Craighurst also for the time being.
April 18: The Girls Market at Horseshoe Valley Resort 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Resort – Fairway Room and Main Chalet. Female focused; fitness, wellness, food, beauty, fashion, crafts etc.
May 2: Jarratt Hall Spring Craft Show 837 Horseshoe Valley Road East
In late May both Horseshoe Valley and Sugarbush should be holding garage sales so keep your eyes open for notices.
Yes, Spring is definitely in the air, and think how wonderful this is after living through a cold winter. Here’s to seeing nature burst into life again.
“Don’t look at your feet to see if you are doing it right. Just dance!” —Anne Lamott