Then and Now

Then and Now shares historical photos and personal stories of past people, places, and events and connects them to their significance today. They are made possible through the continued support of MacKinnon Family Funeral Home as part of our Community Leaders Program.

Local fall fairs have delivered agricultural fun for over 170 years

The first fair was held in Esquesing - now known as Halton Hills - in 1846, with the popular events evolving since then while also holding on to their agricultural roots

Aug 29, 2023 2:48 PM Read more >

Dominion Seed House put Georgetown on the map

The mail order seed business had a long history in the community and is still honoured today through Dominion Gardens Park

Jul 28, 2023 2:53 PM Read more >

A look back at Canada Day through the ages in Halton Hills

Picnics, garden parties and parades were once highlights of Canada Day in Esquesing

Jun 30, 2023 2:49 PM Read more >

Silver Creek a place of booming trade and commerce in the 1800s

The settlement between present-day Acton and Georgetown was once home to a grist mill, tavern, general store and the quarry industry

Jun 4, 2023 1:43 PM Read more >

Acton's Beardmore Tannery saw many fires

The town's signature industry, which got its start over 175 years ago, experienced many catastrophes

Apr 28, 2023 2:00 PM Read more >

Postal service a hardship for early settlers of Esquesing

Hundreds of years ago before postage stamps were used, those who lived in what’s now known as Halton Hills had to pay to receive their mail - a luxury many could not afford

Apr 1, 2023 2:15 PM Read more >

Local settlement of Little Dublin dates back almost 200 years

Just southwest of Acton, at the corner of 25 Sideroad and First Line, Little Dublin came to be in the mid-1830s

Feb 28, 2023 2:30 PM Read more >

Norval once known internationally for its production of flour

Famed Toronto distiller Gooderham and Worts also leased the local grist mill over 150 years ago

Jan 28, 2023 1:07 PM Read more >

January a slow time for local merchants, even 100 years ago

In 1923, stores in Georgetown offered major sales to entice customers after the holiday season

Dec 28, 2022 2:00 PM Read more >

The old arena - Acton’s ‘Christmas present’ almost a century ago

Newer residents may be surprised to know the Acton arena used to be in Prospect Park, where it was built and re-built after a tragedy at the hands of Mother Nature

Nov 28, 2022 2:06 PM Read more >

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