Dear council members,
I write in response to your asking for suggestions for street names in the new subdivision in Beaverton. Actually, our Historical Society did give you some suggestions quite a number of years ago; however I realize that this development is going to be much larger than earlier anticipated so that more names are needed.
The property on which the new subdivision is being developed had a few owners. Hamilton and Davidson (names which I think have already been used in Brock) preceded the McHattie family who owned the property for 44 years, farmed it, lived on it and contributed to the life of Beaverton. David, the father, served on the Beaverton Fair Board for many years. Family members took part in other organizations. Three sons spent the war years (Second World War) overseas serving their country. In fact, McHatties have lived in the Beaverton area since 1841.
Interestingly enough, I understand that one street has already been named Pollock, who was the speculator who bought the McHattie farm. He never lived in the Beaverton area nor did he contribute to the life of Beaverton.
I believe that there have been many in the past who have made large contributions to Beaverton life.
The McKenzie family, whose residence was close by, should be recognized. Archie McKenzie was a railway contractor responsible for the construction of a considerable bit of railroad in our area. His son, Cameron, operated a factory in Beaverton, and Cameron’s wife, Helen, was the only lady reeve of this village.
There were many McMillans in Beaverton’s past. Peter and Duncan McMillan operated a carriage-building establishment. They built, for the community’s use an arena on their property. They were great sportsmen, Duncan being high up in the Canadian Lacrosse Association.
The Calders were the first, or at least nearly the first settlers in what is now Beaverton. They built the first mill and have contributed to village life until very recently
George F. Bruce had been reeve of Thorah and served as Warden of Ontario County. When Beaverton was incorporated, he became its first reeve.
Dr, Devine, a Beaverton dentist for many years, also served as Warden of Ontario County. His son Franklin was killed overseas in World War II.
Actually, it would make more sense for the proposed name of Terry Clayton to be changed just to Clayton. Terry’s grandfather Fred Clayton, was a warden of Ontario County, which, of course, is a more prestigious position than mayor of Brock.
There really are many other Beaverton surnames which could be used — names of families who have contributed much to the development of our village .Beaverton’s early settlers were very predominantly Scottish, but so far there seems to be very little interest on your part to recognize anyone with a Scottish name.
I trust that you will give consideration to names which honour our heritage.
Respectfully yours,
Helen Alsop
