My world, Perth

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Having recently moved near to Perth, in Lanark County, we thought it a good opportunity to check out some of the local business people at the (last) market day.

Our drive into town was spectacular, with old buildings and newly painted trees. Perth's claim to fame:

Perth was the first military settlement in Canada - founded 1816

Founded in 1816, Perth was one of three military settlements established after the War of 1812 in the Rideau Corridor. The British government wanted a trained, fighting force close at hand should the Americans attack Upper Canada again. Disbanded soldiers and half-pay officers from several regiments, including two from Switzerland, were given land grants commensurate in size with their rank. Britain also provided financial assistance for civilians in Scotland to emigrate to the Perth Military Settlement and development of the region began in earnest.

Perth is an old town, established by early settlers in the 1800s, by Scots looking for a place to make their way in the world. Code's Mill, for example, used to make felt. Now a fund building, with pub, coffee shop, etc.

The Ottawa Valley (2500 subsistence farmers), and parts of Lanark County were settled by soldiers, farmers, unemployed weavers and artisans (4,000 weavers and artisans from the Scottish Lowlands to Lanark County after 1815, and labourers, looking to climb out of poverty, financially assisted by church groups. 


Women and children lived in tents or shanties, while the men followed survey crews slash marks on their drawn lots. The government supplied a few tools, and rough shelters were made, small patches of land cleared.

Trees were burned and turned into potash, the only product that could be traded for cash at the time. Syrup was made, after following the manner of the Native Peoples, rather than buying expensive sugar.

Perth Market, last one for 2010!
We went to the Crystal Palace, isn't it lovely?!), just before we began a big driving tour of Lanark County last Saturday.

View from the palace!

What was fun were the Chilli samplers, with donations going to the food bank. A great way to start out on a chilly day!

We bought some veggies, fabulous breads, and cookies!