It's worth a walk through Acton

By Marnie Hughes

At first glance the town of Acton may appear similar to many other small towns in Ontario. Take a leisurely stroll down the main streets, however, and history reveals itself around every corner.

Main Street (now Highway 25) was Acton’s principal thoroughfare in the early days. Three brothers, Ezra, Rufus and Zenas Adams were the founding settlers and laid out the streets in a grid pattern, naming many streets after family members. Originally part of Esquesing Township, Acton was incorporated as a town in 1874.

Throughout the generations, the people of Acton have demonstrated a commitment to community, faith and country with the establishment of churches, a newspaper, a post office and several large businesses.

The town is often referred to as Leathertown by the locals because of the tanning industry that was dominant during the 19th and early 20th Century (existing right up to the closure of the Beardmore tannery in the early 1980s). Acton supported many industries related to leather including glove and shoe manufacturing.

Walking through the streets of Acton provides a wonderful opportunity to linger and experience firsthand the rich heritage of our community.

1 St. Alban’s Anglican Church, 19 St. Alban’s Drive

Saint Alban the Martyr Anglican Church was established in 1870 by The Reverend Mr. Bates. In 1872 William and Ester Sharp donated the land to The Church of England in the Dominion of Canada. William F. Swallow became Rector and named the parish St. Alban’s (Diocese of Toronto).

In 1876, one year after the Diocese of Niagara was formed, the Church building was consecrated by Bishop Fuller. St. Alban’s interior was refurbished in 1881 but it wasn’t until 1899 that they installed electric lights, a year after the bell tower was raised.

A parish hall was added by Reverend H.H. Wilkinson, who was the rector from 1912 to 1915. In 1951 the Parish Hall was renovated and expanded and named after the Reverend William Luxton who was the driving force behind the building of the hall. The vestibule was added to the hall in 1985, allowing indoor access from the church to the hall. To this day the buildings remain basically the same with improvements being made over the years.

2 Acton Town Hall, 19 Willow Street North

The question of building a Town Hall was raised in print by H.P. Moore, editor of the Acton Free Press, in an editorial on January 13, 1881. After a public meeting, it was decided to progress forward and the Town Hall was erected in 1882. The building brought together the municipal council, the fire brigade, and the town constabulary whose lockup cell is still visible today. Of the five lots considered for the project, Council chose to purchase the property of Josiah Adams on the southeast corner of Bower and Willow for five hundred dollars.

Initially the foundation was made with stones mortared with water and lime mixed with the excavated loam. But upon inspection, the architect declared the foundation had the strength of mud so it had to be completely torn up and relaid. Council was finally able to move into their chambers on March 1, 1883.

The building was designated a historic building in 1977 and was sold to Heritage Acton for one dollar with restoration efforts beginning immediately.

3 Syndicate Homes, 69–89 Bower Avenue

Along Bower Avenue there are several houses that have been designated as heritage buildings. The town of Acton began to grow swiftly in the mid 1870s. To address the need for additional housing the Acton Building Association was established. They built these homes for approximately one thousand dollars each.

4 76 Bower Avenue

This magnificent home has been owned by the same family for over 70 years and is one of several homes along Bower Avenue with some interesting history. Built by David Henderson in 1913, the home has musical ties. A complete pipe organ was assembled by the leader of the Acton Citizens Band in one of the upstairs bedrooms. It is still in working order today.

5 MacKinnon Family Funeral Home, 55 Mill Street East

Sunderland Villa was built in 1879 as a private residence by William H. Storey. W. H. Storey was owner of a prominent glove company and became Acton’s first reeve when municipal status was granted.

After World War I the house became a home for veterans from 1920-1923. It then stood empty for a number of years during the depression. In 1937 it was turned into a funeral home which it still operates as today.

6 Acton Mews, 56 Mill Street East

When Angus Kennedy purchased this property in 1852 he built a little white frame house that stood on the corner of John and Mill Streets. Robert Fisher bought the building in 1874 and moved it from the John Street side of the lot to the Mill Street front. In 1879 the Acton Free Press built on the lot, having moved from the old Post Office building. Part of that original structure was incorporated into this new building in 1979. The front façade replicates the original building. In 1880 there was a fire in which the upstairs section was ignited from an overheated stove pipe, but there was no serious damage.

7 St. Joseph’s Parish, 64 Church Street East

Along with three other couples and four related individuals, James Ryder and family came from Churchill to form the nucleus of the Congregationalist church in Acton. James Barber of Georgetown laid the cornerstone for the brick church which was opened in 1877. The cost of the building (approximately $8000) was too much for the small congregation and when it’s leading spirit, Ryder, moved to Petrolia about 1879, foreclosure followed. In 1881 the church was offered for sale. The Salvation Army occupied it for a brief time, and in 1887 the church was purchased by St. Joseph’s Parish who moved the 3 kilometres into town from “Little Dublin”, which is now the location of St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

8 Moorecroft (Private Residence), 96 Church Street East

Originally owned by the Adams family, Edward Moore purchased this property in 1855. Henry Moore, owner and editor of the Acton Free Press, acquired the property and in 1897 had the original house moved to make room to build the home he called Moorecroft. Years later the president of the Beardmore Tannery moved into this magnificent home.

9 Mill Street Crossing, 137 Mill Street East

During the growth of Acton in the 1870s, the former Station Hotel was built and at the time was the only hotel in town. Today patrons enjoy the delicious offerings of the newly renovated Mill Street Crossing, an English style pub.

Once you’ve experienced these exquisite buildings and perhaps reflected on the people who made them possible, we hope you’ll take some time to enjoy the dining and shopping offered in the downtown area. It’s worth the walk through Acton!