The Alexanders: A Migrant Story

July 20, 2025August 28, 2025Glencoe & District Historical Society

As the agent of his excellency the Right Honourable Lord Howden, Her Majesty’s Ambassador at Madrid, I hereby certify that Mr. James Alexander has been employed as a farm manager on his Lordship’s Grimston Estate for six years.

By his own desire, he will leave this country to try his fortune in America. I have great pleasure in testifying that his conduct has always been most trustworthy, steady and exemplary in the extensive farm works carried on here.

Also, from his good education and experience in farming, I consider him well qualified to conduct and manage any agricultural operation in all its branches.

—M. Harington, Grimston Park, Tadcaster, Yorkshire.

Penned in 1853, this letter of reference launched the Alexander family legacy in Canada—and a long line of dedicated Ontario farmers. More than 170 years later, the Alexanders’ original crown settlement south of Melbourne, Ont. is still a working cattle farm, now into its sixth generation of the family.

These deep agricultural roots sprouted in rural Forfarshire, Scotland, before blossoming on a Yorkshire estate owned by a British lord and later blooming across the ocean in Southwest Middlesex. The Alexander story is a true migrant tale, showcasing the upheaval, ambition, dedication and success of newcomers to Canada.

Christmas at the Manse – Melbourne Dec 7, 8

Two days:

Saturday, December 7, 2024 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Sunday, December 8, 2024 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM

NEW Melbourne United Church, 592 John Street, Melbourne, Ontario

Step back in time and celebrate the season with us at the Manse, a classic example of Italianate architecture.

What to Expect:
🎄 Period Christmas Decorations: Experience the charm of Victorian-era holiday décor.

📜 Historic Displays: Explore exhibits showcasing Melbourne’s local history, including fascinating artifacts and stories of the area’s past.
👀 Signature Quilt: See the 1918 signature quilt on display—could your ancestors’ names be stitched into its fabric? Discover your family connections!🛷 Kilbourne Cutter Sleigh: Admire this elegant piece of local history on the front lawn.

Architecture Highlight
The Manse, built with locally-made brick, features a wide central hall, a stunning staircase, and large windows with stained glass. While originally designed without modern conveniences like bathrooms, later adaptations—including 1960s enclosed porches—have added layers to its architectural story over the decades.

The Italianate design of this home was inspired by plans published in the Canada Farmer magazine in 1865, which highlighted this style for its practicality and grandeur.

Ref: http://www.ontarioarchitecture.com/italianate.htm

Giving Back
In the spirit of the season, we are graciously accepting non-perishable food items and cash donations for local food banks. Join us for a heartwarming afternoon filled with history, holiday cheer, and community spirit. We can’t wait to welcome you!

The Lands and The Lucas’s

October 16, 2019. at The Archives. 7:00 pm
The Robert Land / Clement Lucas Family Trees

JoAnn Lucas Galbraith, Charter Member of The Glencoe and District Historical Society, Charter member of the Ekfrid Museum, member of the London Branch U.E.L., Strathroy Historical Society, Author, Genealogist, and Historian, will take folks back in time beginning in the 11th century at the time of the Norman Conquest in the British Isles.

JoAnn will tell of the family’s voyage from the British Isles to America, their achievements, their similarities and the talents of her United Empire Loyalists families.

70th Anniversary of the Melbourne Legion Branch #510

October 17, 2018January 23, 2022Mary Simpson

Written by JoAnn Galbraith.

Melbourne, ON: On Wednesday evening October 17th, the Glencoe & District Historical Society celebrated the 70th Anniversary of the Melbourne Legion Branch #510 at their building in Melbourne. President Lorne Munro welcomed those attending and introduced the guest speaker, JoAnn Galbraith.

JoAnn announced that this year (2018), the Melbourne Legion Executive decided to update Legion records and compile photos and dialogues that Veterans and their family members have accumulated over the years. Tom Jeffrey, Wendy Robertson, Red Noble, Richard Hathaway and JoAnn Galbraith were chosen to carry out this important archival work. For the evening.

JoAnn prepared a large display of Legion photographs and research material. She then explained the history of the first Legions which were established in 1925 after WWI. These were special places where veterans could gather to reminisce and support one another. Read more →