MHS Resumes Monthly Speakers Series

By: Laura Steiner

The Milton Historical Society (MHS) has restarted its monthly speakers’ series after a 20 month absence due to COVID-19.  The event was held with COVID-19

The topic at their November November 18 meeting was on the history of Whaley’s Corners.  Speaker Ken Whaley, a family descendent presented on 200 years of family history that included the founding of Whaley’s corners.

The Whaley family moved from to Upper Canada in 1819 from Delaware settling in the area around Winston Churchill and Steeles Ave.  John Beatty recieved 5,000 acres that would accommodate 150 families.  William Whaley was required to clear five acres of land, grow crops, and build a dwelling of 18 by 20 feet, as well assist in building the road.

The family farmed the area for 200 years, establishing the area as Whaley’s Corners as a small hamlet.  The family marked the occasion by funding a sign to commemorate the anniversary.  The Peel District School board named a school in Brampton for the early settlement of Whaley’s Corners.

MHS ChristmasFest  this Saturday

The Milton Historical Society is hosting its annual ChristmasFest event on Saturday November 27, 2021 from 12 pm-6pm at the Waldie Blacksmith Shop.

The event includes “unique garage sale items,” bundles of history books as well as a limited edition ornament.  Organizers promise something for everyone, specially the hard-to-buy for family members on your list!

For more information contact Milton Historical Society President John Challinor II at: 416-918-4472 or via email at: jbciicbj@gmail.com.  ChristmasFest is presented in cooperation with the Downtown Milton Business Improvement Area’s HolidayFest Celebration.