Local History
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Of UELs, 1812 Vets, and Willeys
Who were the United Empire Loyalists and why do they matter? Well, they were the foundational English-speaking settlers who fled the fledgling United States to remain loyal to Britain. Their presence shaped Canada's demographics and formed our politics and culture for generations. Contrary to American myths, those loyal to Britain were rarely wealthy or privileged.…
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In Memoriam: Ken Willis, Historian of Wardsville
The Glencoe & District Historical Society mourns the loss of Ken Willis, our friend, longtime historian and museum keeper for Wardsville, Newbury, and the Township of Mosa. For decades, Ken devoted himself to preserving the stories of his community. As Historian and Manager of the Wardsville Historical Museum, he gathered, catalogued, and cared for an…
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Mapping Our Disappearing Heritage — A Session with Evan Abma
June 20, 2026 at The Archives, Glencoe: The Glencoe & District Historical Society welcomed twenty attendees for a wonderful Saturday morning session featuring guest presenter Evan Abma. The workshop was organized by Denise Corneil, Secretary of the G&DHS, who is a passionate advocate for documenting our region’s historical structures before they’re lost. Evan, Chair of…
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The Ghostliest “Ghost Town” in Middlesex
By Jenny Grainger, Jenny’s London & Southwestern Ontario Napier: One of the first public buildings constructed in Napier was St. Mary’s Anglican Church. The land for the church, on a hill north of the village, was donated by Charles Preston. The exact construction date varies with the source, but the church was completed around 1843. The…
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Vanished Villages in Western Middlesex
On June 18, 2026, the Glencoe Public Library was filled to capacity as 45 community members gathered to hear local historian Jennifer Grainger explore the rise and fall of Middlesex County's vanished villages. The event was presented in partnership between the Glencoe & District Historical Society and the Glencoe Public Library. Drawing on maps, photographs,…
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Introducing the Presbyterian Church Heritage Centre in Carlisle of North Middlesex
By Ian Mason, published in the Middlesex Banner, May 2026. Plan to do the North Middlesex Day Trip June 12, 2026 – link here Nestled in the cemetery in the hamlet of Carlisle, 6 kms east of Ailsa Craig, is the Presbyterian Church Heritage Centre (PCHC). It contains the national collection of artefacts from…
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Archibald William (A.W.) Campbell, b. May 14, 1863 in Wardsville
By Marie Williams, for the G&DHS Facebook Page, January 9, 2026: Among the many artifacts at the Glencoe and District Historical Society Archives are some personal items of Archibald William (A.W.) Campbell, who was born on May 14, 1863 in Wardsville. His father had immigrated to western Upper Canada from Caithness, Scotland and his mother…
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From Polar Bears to No Bears: a 15,000 Year History
Larry Cornelis:
