Nonfiction - Local History
1 min
People Behind the Street Names-The Pioneers
Halton Hills Public Library
Discover the history behind street names in Halton Hills.
The Barber Family
Barber Drive: The Barber brothers, William, James, Joseph and Robert, got their start in Georgetown with at least one of them working at George Kennedy's mill. Eventually, they were able to purchase the mill for 750 pounds and helped it become one of the most important economic drivers in the town.
James Street: James Barber was born in c.1811 and died in 1880. He was trained in the paper trade, which helped the success of the paper mill in Georgetown when he and his brothers took over.
William Street: The eldest Barber brother, William was born in 1809 and died in 1887. He ran the mill, was a District Councilor for Esquesing, a Reeve, named Justice of Peace in 1843, and became a Member of Parliament for Halton in 1867 to 1879. He also surveyed and sold lots with James Young in Georgetown.
Joseph Street: Joseph Barber was born in c. 1816 and died in c. 1888. Outside of the paper mill, he was involved in various committees, such as heading up the water reservoir project. He is also noted to have had one of the three first residential telephones in Georgetown in 1884.
The Dayfoot Family
Dayfoot Drive: Brothers John B. and Philo Dayfoot first went to Hamilton after moving from Bristol, Vermont to open a tannery and shoe factory but they decided to expand the business into Georgetown. Their boot factory in Georgetown played an important role in putting the town on the map. This street was originally Victoria Street, but was renamed on January 1, 1974 to honour the family.
Caroline Street: Caroline was the wife of Philo Dayfoot.
Rosetta Street: Rosetta was the wife of John B. Dayfoot.
The Young Family
James Young Drive: James Young ran a successful hardware store in Georgetown and also sold insurance, making himself an important merchant in town. He and William Barber also surveyed lots in Georgetown together.
Edith Street: James Young named this street after his sister-in-law, Edith.
Young Street: As a surveyor in Acton for the Adams family, James Young also named a street in Acton for himself.
To learn more about the history of Halton Hills, visit the Halton Hills Public Library website: https://www.hhpl.ca/en/learn/local-history.aspx
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