The First Annual Historical Walking Tour of Lakefield

Over 70 people joined members of the Lakefield Trail Stewardship Committee and the Lakefield Historical Society for a Historical Walking Tour of the Village of Lakefield on September 27, 2009. Historical enthusiasts listened to Athabelle Tighe, Gwen McMullen, Michael Townsend, Lois Kellar, Brenda Neill, and David Glover bring the story of the roots of the Village of Lakefield to life. Each colourful narrative described how the Village's history has shaped the community we live in today.

Participants sipped tea and enjoyed home baked cookies at the historic steamship waiting pavilion (1909) in Isabel Morris Park at the end of the Tour as they let their minds wander back to the time when the Village was vibrant with excited passengers as they boarded the big steamships that took them to their cottages on Ston(e)y and Clear Lakes. The Belletones, directed by Mark Hiscox, delightfully added to the celebration of Lakefield's history. One lucky participant won From Nelson's Falls to Lakefield, a book that recounts the history of Lakefield up to 1950. All that was missing was the majestic Stoney Lake waiting at the wharf!

The goals of the Lakefield Trail Stewardship Committee are to maintain and enhance the Trail, to plan events on the Trail that promote environmental education and healthy outdoor activities, and to promote local and area trails. Funds raised from this event will help the Lakefield Trail Stewardship Committee complete ongoing maintenance along the Trail. The goal of the Lakefield Historical Society is to preserve and promote the dynamic history of the Village. If you would like to purchase a copy of From Nelson's Falls to Lakefield, you can find it at Happenstance Books & Yarns in Lakefield. This event very successfully met the goals of both organizations in ways that beg the planning of the next Historical Walking Tour of Lakefield! Thank you to everyone who participated.