The town of Wallaceburg, Ontario has a rich history, dating back to the early 19th century. Named after Scotland’s national hero, Sir William Wallace, Wallaceburg was first settled by farmers and peasants from Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland.
They arrived in 1804 and established the Baldoon Settlement along the Snye River. Although the settlers faced many difficulties such as malaria, harsh winters, and American invaders during the War of 1812, they persevered and contributed to the early success and development of the town. One of the town’s earliest major industries was the lumber trade, which was highly successful during the mid to late 19th century.
The Wallaceburg Cooperage Company, opened by David Alexander Gordon and his uncle Captain James Steinhoff in 1887, was one of the most notable businesses to develop during this era. However, as the supply of hardwood declined, industrialists had to find new business ideas to sustain the local economy. That’s when the glassmaking industry came to Wallaceburg in 1894. The Sydenham Glass Company was established and the industry lasted over 100 years, before closing in 1999. The Canadian and Dominion Sugar Company, which produced raw sugar from sugar beets, was also a notable industry in the town. It opened in 1901 and closed in 1960. The Wallaceburg Brass Company was the third major industry in the town, opening in 1905 and creating brass faucets and plumbing supplies.
The company later merged with Kindred Industries and was known thereafter as Waltec. The factory stopped manufacturing in Wallaceburg as late as 2006. But Wallaceburg isn’t just about its industries. Wallaceburg offers a variety of attractions and events for tourists. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hunting, golf, and boating with a diverse range of fish species such as bass, walleye, perch, pike, muskie, trout, and panfish. The area is abundant with waterfowl, deer, and rabbits for hunters.
Boaters have access to a variety of rivers and lakes, including still water for knee boarders and wake boarders and open water for sailing and scuba diving. The Wallaceburg and District Museum, which opened in 1984, showcases the area’s history, including the First Nations community, the Baldoon settlers, and the community’s industrial heritage with a focus on glass, brass, and sugar.
The town is also known for its annual antique car, boat, bus, and fire truck show called WAMBO (Wallaceburg Antique Motor and Boat Outing). The event began in 1989 and draws visitors from all over Ontario every second weekend in August. With a population of just over 10,000, Wallaceburg is an unincorporated community in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. Its strategic location along the banks of the scenic Sydenham River and significant contributions to the lumber and boat building industries have earned it the nickname “Glass Town of Canada”. So, whether you’re a history buff, a fan of antique cars and boats, or just looking for a charming town to explore, Wallaceburg has something for everyone.
Come for the glass, brass, and sugar history and stay for the friendly community and beautiful scenery.
With files from Wikipedia, and Frank and Alan Mann.
