Join the Goulbourn Township Historical Society on Saturday, May 13 at 1:30pm for “What Went Down in Struggle Town?”, a presentation that will examine the settlement, historic figures, and structures, which have defined the narrative of Stanley’s Corners. Tracey Donaldson, Acting Manager along with Acting Education Officer Sarah Holla from the Goulbourn Museum will be presenting.
Settlement of land in Upper Canada became a priority for the British Government following the conclusion of the War of 1812. Discharged soldiers who accepted land grants were the first to settle in Goulbourn with their presence creating a line of defense for Upper Canada against the Americans.
At the intersection of 9th line and Regional Road 5 (Flewellyn and Huntley Roads), a small community known as Rathwells Corners grew as a busy stopping point between Richmond and the Upper Ottawa Valley. By the 1850’s John Rathwell an early school teacher taught at a school located just west at Black’s Sideroad. Also his wife kept a stopping place or hotel at Rathwells Corners.
By 1879 there was a store, St. Thomas Church, a saw mill, and a school. Later the community also supported a cheese factory, cement factory, post office and blacksmith shop. Eventually the Rathwell’s sold the Hotel to John Manchester and in turn to Jonathon Stanley. The small community then became known as Stanley Corners. It was nicknamed “Struggle Town” by the early Irish settlers, the history of Stanley Corners is marked by success, prosperity and tragedy.
Were the settlers justified in nicknaming the community Struggle Town?
This presentation at the Goulbourn Museum, Saturday, May 13, 2017 starting at 1:30pm accompanies the Museum’s outdoor exhibition, which will formally launch during the summer event, Father’s Day Flashback: Ireland’s Own in June 2017. As usual, attendance, parking and refreshments are free. And remember, “tell a neighbour, bring a friend”.