THE WELLANDPORT AREA OF THE PAST

By Judy Bernet, Interpreter Chippawa Creek Conservation Area

Officially opened in 1969, the Chippawa Creek Conservation Area serves as an area where visitors can come to picnic, camp, boat, swim, fish, or just relax. The woodlands, fields, hedgerows, ponds, and marshy areas attract an abundance of wildlife Forest and wildlife management programmes are carried out by the Authority. The Conservation Authority also organizes summer conservation camps here for children, as well as the annual canoe rally

Who would believe that one hundred years ago the Chippawa Creek Conservation Area  was completely covered with trees? Settlers cleared away the forest, and began cultivating the soil for crops. The river was crystal clear and teeming with fish, which the settlers used for food. At this time also, the nearby village of Wellandport was a thriving lumber centre and was becoming an inland port.  The first settlers in this area arrived in 1795, at a place they called “The Narrows”. Between Chippawa Creek and Beaver Creek. “Chippawa” came from an indian word meaning “people without moccasins”.The Dils  family were among the first settlers to clear the land and build their homes. The lake at the conservation area reflects their name. Few of the  original buildings are left in the village due to two major fires; one on January 2, 1882 and another on August 24, 1910. In  1816 the first sawmill was built, and by 1820 a grist mill, distillery and a tannery were in operation The first general store opened, offering goods from Niagara Falls and Buffalo.

From 1861 to 1865 the village population was nearly doubled by Americans avoiding the Civil War army service. One hundred and thirty years ago, with a population of about three hundred, it was hoped that the town would be declared the county town for County Monck, but the removal of the forests changed the sparkle of the village. The population has now decreased to two hundred. At one time there were three churches, well filled each Sunday. And four hotels served the needs of travellers. Now there are two churches and no hotels.

Living was good then and inexpensive, with whiskey at 31c a gallon and rum, gin, and brandy at $1.50 a gallon. Eggs were 10c a dozen and butter was 12c a pound.

The first bridge was west of the present site, and was a float bridge of pine logs. The abutments seen to the east of the present bridge are from a bridge built in 1863 for $10,000 and sold in 1938 for $100 when the present bridge was built. Originally logs were hauled to the river in winter and when open water came, were rafted down the river. In winter the river formed a natural road for sleighs. The river used to allow boats drawing eight to ten feet of water to pass, whereas  now it is hardly safe for motorboats. The level is low today because of water being drawn off by the hydro canal. Pilings from docks built a century ago are often visible. Beaver Creek, where beavers once built dams, is now dry and overgrown in summer. In 1841 three large boats came up the river from Buffalo to take the lumber away. Being the first boats up the river, it was a great event and the public turned out to watch. On the voyage up, all bridges had to be removed. On seeing the boats land at the dock someone suggested the village should be called Wellandport; the “Welland” portion of the name coming from a village in England. The last boat of any size to navigate this part of the river was a medicine show boat in 1912 whose destination was the fairground. Fairs were held continuously from 1870 to 1942.

Talbot Road, now Canboro Road, built in 1840, was the direct route from Niagara Falls to Windsor. The main street of Wellandport was very busy, especially in summer when carts were axle deep in mud.

Back in 1912 there was abundant natural gas, lighting the streets from gas lamps on posts. Now only two people have gas, those who own the well and the person who’s property the well is on.

The major contribution to history by the village of Wellandport occurred on the farm of J.D. Fulsom. Here was the first place in Canada where lucerne or alfalfa was grown. This important plant was brought from Germany by Dr Collver, a medical doctor interested in farming.

While visiting the Wellandport area this summer why not take advantage of the guided nature hikes and special educational programmes at the Chippawa Creek Conservation Area. Look for the interpreter’s schedule which is posted throughout the area.

Participate and enjoy.